Cathedral Windows Quilt Squares

I am a total fabric junky (some would say hoarder), and I particularly LOVE to collect little bits of bright cotton. There tends to be a bit of a problem trying to justify having SO much tiny little bits of fabric, and cathedral window squares give me a great excuse!!!

Cathedral windows is a stunning pattern, that really looks great with all sorts of a variety of scraps. It is done entirely by hand, so it does take a certain amount of patience, but it's worth it! Personally, I find hand sewing to be very relaxing, so I'll work on it a bit here and there, when I need a break from other projects.

Step 1: Supplies

Here are the materials you will need:

• Solid cotton material (which will vary depending on the size and scope of your project... keep in mind that a 7" square of this fabric will amount to about 3" of quilt)
• A variety of 2" squares
• Ruler
• Fabric shears
• Hand sewing thread
• Hand sewing needle
• Pins
• Iron

Comments

[crazymama63]

very pretty,pretty new to quilting but this look is awesome!

[dapperson]

I was fortunate enough to learn how to do Cathedral Window quilting from a group of women who had been doing it for decades. The way I do it uses a sewing machine for the frame part of the project, but the rest is about the same. I love the way these look when they're done and have made them in all sorts of combinations of fabric. Here's the way I wrote up instructions when I worked for a web site in 2001 - http://www.scrapstitching.com/projects/_2001_CathedralWindow/

[abbyholverson]

That's a great tutorial, too! I've done few squares by machine, just as you did. I just like the slow pace of the hand work. (my quilt may take 20 years at this rate)

I love the buttons you put on the back... May have to use that idea!

[dapperson]

One comment about the buttons is consider the weight of the quilt when it is done with all the buttons. The one in the tutorial is a wall hanging, so it's not a huge issue. I'm working on a hexagon quilt now which will take 20 years, 100% by hand, so I dig what you're saying about the slow pace. I call it my mental health quilt :)

[mbalch4446]

These are nice to do because you can bring it with you. I'd rather stitch than view. Mine is kingsize - probably won't do any more, but it is definitely an heirloom piece.

[abbyholverson]

I love how portable this is... And it's such a good exercise in hand stitching. Kudos to you for finishing a king size! Mine would be about big enough for a throw pillow, maybe someday I'll get a full king size out of it!

[dirtybirdie]

This is awesome! I'm just starting mine. I swear, it took me forever to make one square...phew! Time for a nap! Great instructable, thanks!

[LuzminasCorner]

This is a great tutorial!! Thanks for sharing ;)

[piccolo1979]

I LOVE IT! I've never made a quilt before, but after reading this instructable I am very inspired to start! Absolutely beautiful!! :)

[Grl4sportz]

I've had pieces cut out for quite a while and the pattern sitting there. Thanks for the great tutorial, now I've got the inspiration to start.

[abbyholverson]

Oh yay! That makes me happy. I just have a bag full of all the pieces and just work on it in little bits when I feel like it. It's a nice project for just sitting on the couch and watching tv. I can't not have my hands busy!

[DELETED_jorgegunn]

ohh neat I saw some wonderful cathedrial quilt aprons this weekend when we were out looking at the wildflowers and i wanted to make one so bad. My friend gave me a pamplet from the 80's but this instructables makes it clearer and color pictures are a help. Thanks so much.

[jessyratfink]

Yes, yes, yes! I always wondered how these were made! You're awesome!

[aidenpants]

WOW! This is incredible! I salute your creativity and your patience!

[scoochmaroo]

Simply stunning!