Once you have decided to make a clamshell quilt, unless you already have a pattern, it's time to make a template.

It looks more complicated that it really is, and once you have your clamshell, you can easily make the subdivisions.

You need something that will create at least a quarter circle the size you want your clamshell to be. If you have a compass, that works. If not, you can use a bowl, plate, can, whatever! I used a special circle ruler from Omnigrid - you'll see it below.

	Remember, this is the overall design you are looking to make. The template will be created for the design that is outlined in black.
The first step is to draw a square. Next divide it into quarters. Then take your circle, compass, bowl, whatever you have and draw the quarter-circle in one quadrant of your square. If you have a square ruler, this is the easiest way to draw the square. You can make it whatever size you want.
	Now complete the top part of the clamshell by drawing a quarter circle in the other quadrant. If you have a circle ruler, drawing these curves is fairly easy.
Using the same device you used to draw the quarter circles on the top of the clamshell, draw a quarter circle in the bottom right quadrant. You may need to flip your ruler over or around. As you can see, this will be a concave circle.
	Complete the other side with another quarter circle. Now your basic clamshell is complete and ready to use as a template. You can cut this out as is and add 1/4 inch seam allowances all around as you cut your fabric.
If you would like the little oval sections, turn your circle around and draw a quarter circle where the ends meet.
	Draw another quarter circle to complete your design.
For your sectioned clamshell, you will end up with 3 templates. One will be the oval with the points on the end.
	The second template will be this rather strange shape which probably has a name, but I don't know it.
The third template piece you need forms the outside corner of the ovals. I used this piece only for the border. as you look closely at the center of the quilt top, it is just the oval pieces and the interesting star-shaped pieces.

Once you have all of your temlates and you are happy with your colored drawing, it's time to start cutting fabric.

I found that it was essential to place all of the pieces of the center part of my quilt (without the border) on my flannel wall before I started sewing. And I kept checking to be sure that I was really sewing it together as planned.

Each fish shape is contained in more than one clamshell, and the tail is in another clamshell shape.

You could save some trouble and cut out circles where the clamshell shapes would be all one color. I found it easier to stick with the same shapes throughout making the quilt top.

Close-up of the fish showing how the parts fit into three different clamshell pieces.

P.S.  Every time I visit a quilt shop, I take a look at all of the great tools and quilting goodies. Once, I found this ruler that cuts circles. I had no idea what I would use it for, since I usually don't do much with circles. However, I added it to my collection.

As I was drawing up the templates for you, I thought I would use the template and Wow! did it make this so easy.

The thing is, you can use it to draw as well as cut. The spaces are set up for a rotary cutter, therefore extend beyond the size you need - so the blade will fit in.

In addition, because it is just a 1/4 circle size, you can cut or draw these 1/4 circles or fold your fabric in quarters and cut the entire circle by just cutting a quarter of it. Now that's pretty cool!

I'm sure Rosie would be happy to order one for you, if you don't already have one. They are in the $20 price range and will cut a circle up to 6 inches in radius - that's a 12 inch circle!

You can email Rosie: rozgonzalez@cox.net

Here's the ruler:

Omni Arc R4C12 Circle Cutter The non-slip ruler for quilting, sewing and crafts. For use with the 28mm rotary cutter. Handy grooves for cutting circles. For finished size circles 4" to 12". With easy to read angle markings.

The quilt is made using clamshell-shaped pieces.

Visit the Article that describes the quilt

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren

©2009, Penny Halgren
Penny is a quilter of more than 27 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.

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