How to Make a Fish Quilt: Dimensional Quilt Block + Tips

Hooked on fish quilts? Whether you're crafting a quilt for a fisherman, decorating a seaside cabin, or looking for a fun animal block, this dimensional fish quilt is the perfect project. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to sew it step-by-step and provide a few fun ideas for incorporating it into your own quilt creations.

✂️ Supplies You'll Need

• Fish quilt block pattern (from our book "Dimensional Quilt Blocks"  or Swish Fish digital download)

• Printer paper

• Fabric scraps in aquatic colors

• Sewing machine & thread

• Scissors or a rotary cutter

• Optional: iron & pressing mat

🧵 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Copy the paper patterns for the number of blocks you want to complete. Follow the “Making Dimensional Parts” tutorial to make each part of the fish. The mouth of the head and the V shape of the tail need to be carefully clipped close to the seam without cutting the stitches. This will help when turning the sharp angles on these dimensional parts. This picture shows one set sewn and ready to turn.
   
   
2. Turn the dimensional parts right side out. We teach a simple yet efficient (optional) technique for turning small parts with narrow openings or sharp angles right side out. Follow our tutorial “Trick to Turning Small Parts Right Side Out”. The head is turned through a slit in the first layer of fabric. The straw-and-dowel method works well for turning the head. To have the head face in the opposite direction, stack the batting between the fabric and the paper pattern. This will allow you to slit the other fabric layer, and the head will then be mirrored, allowing the fish to turn in the opposite direction.
   
3. Once turned, press all the parts and hand-gather the fish fins using large stitches to add 2-3 folds to the fins. Add stuffing to the cheeks of the head, then whipstitch the slit closed. Tuck the lower lip under the upper lip and secure it with a whipstitch on the back to create a puckered look, adding character to the face. The slit side is placed against the block and is hidden from view.
   
   
4. Two background pieces are pre-cut to 4 1/4" x 8 1/2" and 4 3/4" x 8 1/2" (the second dimension matches the pattern on page 13 in the book). First, decide whether the fish’s tail will flip up or down—this is your choice. If the tail is flipped down, refer to the pattern for the white fish placement. If the tail is intended to flip up, follow the pattern for the blue fish placement (page 13 in the book). The different placements will help ensure the fish is centered on the block. When using a mirrored head, the tail directions will also become mirrored.
   
   
5. In this picture, the fish's body and tail will be inserted into the seam between the two background fabrics cut in step 4.
   
   
6. Once the body and tail seams are sewn and pressed, topstitch the tail halfway down the middle of the tail fins to secure it in place, while maintaining its dimensional shape and its swishing tail.
   
   
7. Place the head and hand-gathered fins over the body in a position that is visually appealing to you. Pin the fins to the block, then remove the head. With the fins positioned, machine zigzag stitch them to the block.
   
   
8. Place the head back on the body in the previous position and pin it in place. Follow our tutorial “How to Sew Down Parts” to secure the head in place. Complete your fish block by adding a small button for the eye. If you are concerned about safety for children, you can use a small felt circle instead, whipped-stitched around the edge, or add a satin stitch eye.
   
   

💡 Creative Ideas

• Make a full quilt with alternating fish and wave blocks

• Use your fish block in a tote bag or pillow

• Combine with our frog or duck blocks for a full pond-themed quilt

📚 Get the Pattern

This fish quilt block is part of our Dimensional Quilt Blocks, available on Amazon or as a digital download. The book includes 12 adorable animal blocks—each with layered, textured details that bring your quilt to life.

📸 Share Your Work

Have you made the fish quilt block? Send us a photo and we’ll showcase it in our Customer Gallery and product page!