What Makes Waved in Sky a Natural Fit for Coastal Quilts
Waved in Sky from Paintbrush Studios brings a soft, sky-inspired palette to your sewing table. Designed by Erin Borja, this print features swirling dashed lines that mimic gentle ocean ripples or wind-swept clouds. The 100% cotton quilting cotton is medium weight and tends to hold its shape after washing, making it a reliable choice for quilts that need to endure repeated use and laundering.
Whether you are stitching a baby quilt with a beach theme or a lap quilt for coastal decor, this fabric's subtle movement adds visual interest without overwhelming other prints.
Waved in Sky Fabric Details at a Glance
- Waved in Sky by Erin Borja for Paintbrush Studios: 100% cotton, 44" width, medium weight quilting cotton that holds its shape after washing. The width and weight affect how much fabric you need and how it behaves in piecing. Knowing it holds shape means less shrinkage and distortion after quilting.
Waved in Sky by Erin Borja for Paintbrush Studios - Waved in Sky by Erin Borja for Paintbrush Studios: Machine wash cold, delicate, tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Following these care instructions keeps the colors vibrant and the fabric stable. Pre-washing is optional but recommended if you want to preshrink before cutting.
- Waved in Sky by Erin Borja for Paintbrush Studios: Available in 40 colorways including pastels, brights, jewel tones, and neutrals. You can coordinate Waved in Sky with other prints from the same collection or mix it with solids for a cohesive look. The sky shade pairs especially well with aqua, navy, and sandy neutrals.
Planning Your Coastal Quilt Around the Print
Because Waved in Sky is a blender print with a medium-scale repeat, it works well as a background or as a secondary print in a quilt. Consider using it in half-square triangles, strip piecing, or as sashing between larger focal prints. The swirling lines create a sense of movement, so avoid cutting it into tiny pieces that might obscure the pattern.
For a coastal quilt, pair Waved in Sky with solid fabrics in shades of sand, coral, or seafoam green. You can also combine it with other prints from the Waved collection to build a gradient of ocean-inspired tones.
A Practical Sewing Sequence for a Coastal Quilt
Follow this sequence to reduce surprises and keep your project moving.
- Pre-wash and press: Machine wash cold, delicate, tumble dry low. Press with a medium-hot iron. This preshrinks the fabric and removes any sizing, giving you accurate cutting dimensions.
- Cut carefully around the repeat: The swirling dashed lines have a visible repeat. If you want the pattern to flow consistently across blocks, cut each piece from the same orientation of the fabric. Use a rotary cutter and a clear ruler for straight cuts.
- Piece with a scant 1/4" seam allowance: Quilting cotton's medium weight holds seams well. A scant 1/4" allowance helps blocks match accurately without bulk.
- Press seams open or to one side: Press with a dry iron to avoid distorting the cotton. Open seams reduce bulk in intersecting seams; one-direction seams create a crisp finish.
- Quilt and bind: Choose a quilting pattern that complements the movement of the print, such as wavy lines or stippling. Bind with a coordinating solid or a print from the same collection.
Project Ideas That Let the Print Shine
A simple patchwork quilt with 6" or 8" squares lets the swirling lines read clearly. For a more structured look, try a disappearing nine-patch or a rail fence pattern. Waved in Sky also works as a backing fabric if you want the coastal theme to continue on the reverse side.
If you are making a baby quilt, the soft sky color and gentle pattern are gender-neutral and easy to coordinate with nursery decor. Pair it with a white or cream solid for a fresh, airy feel.
Care and Handling Tips
After your quilt is complete, continue to wash it in cold water on a delicate cycle and tumble dry low. Avoid bleach, which can damage the cotton fibers and fade the print. If you need to remove stains, treat them with a gentle stain remover before washing.
Because quilting cotton holds its shape well, your finished quilt should remain stable through many washes. Store it away from direct sunlight to keep the colors from fading over time.
