Searching for inspiration, I came across a Cathedral Window or Stained Glass Quilt. Originally, these quilts were made using muslin or cheesecloth creating the sheer "window panes." The quilt is made without a traditional "quilt sandwich" meaning you don't have to add batting, backing fabric, quilt the top, or bind the edges. Wow! Really?
I was immediately smitten...I MUST MAKE ONE OF THESE... but the pattern looked way too intricate for a total newbie like myself. Of course, I couldn't let a think like the lack of skill or experience stand in my way AND that's when I found this amazing tutorial by Hyena in Petticoats.
I thought I'd share with you my progress via a step-by-step picture tutorial. It is a really simple technique. All you need is time and patience.... oh and a few materials.
A Note About the Materials:
This will all make sense once you've read through the tutorial :-)
(8) eight background squares = 36"
For every (16) sixteen background squares you will have 22 windows.
Use the guide below to determine your fabric needs. I used Kona cotton in white for the background. Scraps and fat quarters from 22 different fabrics for the windows.
1 yard of 44" wide fabric yields approx (12) twelve 10" squares
3 1/4" squares for windows (scraps)
2 1/2" squares of batting (scraps) (batting is optional)
File folder, mailer, or manila envelope for template (anything that can be ironed)
Thread to match background fabric
Basting spray or straight pins
A Note About the Pattern:
Where this pattern skips traditional quilting steps, it makes up for in precision, folding, and ironing. The more precise you are in making sure everything is absolutely square, lined up, and straight the better your finished quilt will be.
Also, I precut all of my materials before beginning.
I was immediately smitten...I MUST MAKE ONE OF THESE... but the pattern looked way too intricate for a total newbie like myself. Of course, I couldn't let a think like the lack of skill or experience stand in my way AND that's when I found this amazing tutorial by Hyena in Petticoats.
I thought I'd share with you my progress via a step-by-step picture tutorial. It is a really simple technique. All you need is time and patience.... oh and a few materials.
A Note About the Materials:
This will all make sense once you've read through the tutorial :-)
(8) eight background squares = 36"
For every (16) sixteen background squares you will have 22 windows.
Use the guide below to determine your fabric needs. I used Kona cotton in white for the background. Scraps and fat quarters from 22 different fabrics for the windows.
1 yard of 44" wide fabric yields approx (12) twelve 10" squares
3 1/4" squares for windows (scraps)
2 1/2" squares of batting (scraps) (batting is optional)
File folder, mailer, or manila envelope for template (anything that can be ironed)
Thread to match background fabric
Basting spray or straight pins
A Note About the Pattern:
Where this pattern skips traditional quilting steps, it makes up for in precision, folding, and ironing. The more precise you are in making sure everything is absolutely square, lined up, and straight the better your finished quilt will be.
Also, I precut all of my materials before beginning.
Begin by cutting out a 9" square and a 2 1/2" square template
Next cut out 10" squares from pre-washed, ironed, background fabric
Place the template in the center of your 10" square
Miter all 4 corners by folding as shown below
Now we fold and iron down all 4 sides
Remove Template
Fold your square in half and iron
Fold in half once more and iron
Using the fold lines as a guide, fold the corners toward the center
Iron
Fold once again towards the center
Iron
Your finished square will be approx 4 1/2"
GETTING READY TO SEW
Place 2 squares side by side
Pull up one fold (triangle) from each square
Line up your corners and pin (I use basting spray)
Take this to your sewing machine and stitch the two triangles together on the fold line
Next, open up the triangles by pulling them apart and flattening them out.
You have just created your first window.
(optional: pin or spray baste the triangles around the center window)
First Row of 8 Squares
ADDING THE WINDOWS
Taking your 3 1/4" squares of "window" fabric,
2 1/2" square of batting, and your 2 1/2" template
Place the fabric wrong side up. Layer batting and template in the center
Begin by finger pressing the edges around the template and iron down
Remove Template
Place ironed fabric in center of window
Some people pin down the edges over the window fabric...
I just finger press and hold them down as I sew. As you fold the edges
they will naturally curve into an arch. Sew.
It is important to begin stitching at the very tops of both your beginning and ending corners.
These corners will all meet and intersect - Keep them as lined up as possible
TIP: Use an old seam ripper to help hold down your corners as you sew
Starting with the second row you will have (2) two seams to sew per square as shown by the straight pins
Continue building your squares until the desired size is achieved....and you're done.
Hold up to the light to see the window pane effect... ENJOY!
