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Layered Cathedral Window Block

Cathedral window blocks are traditionally about folding and topstitching to create beautiful blocks with lots of depth. Today, I’m really excited to share this cathedral window block using Tula Pink ‘The Birds and the Bees’ fabrics. This post is part of the Cathedral Window Sampler Quilt Along. My block is the first in the series, but be sure to check the link for the complete schedule and list of prizes!!! Thanks to Pellon and Free Quilt Patterns and Bree for hosting!!

I think this block would be better in solids…it’s a tad bit busy. My friend Bree suggested the solids, and here’s her version:

Finished block: 12.5″

Fabric needed to make 1 block
Five 13″ squares of fabric – cut each block into 6.5″ squares

 1. Press 3 squares of each print (and all 4 of the squares for the center star) in half diagonally, with wrong sides together. You will form a triangle.

Note: before you begin assembling, set aside the fabric that you would like for the center ‘star’; this fabric will be sewed last for each block.

 2. Begin with 1 unfolded fabric as your base. Place 1 triangle at the upper left-hand corner. The raw edge of the triangle should be aligned with the outer edge of the base fabric. Pin in place.

3. Take your fingers and gently fold back the pressed edge of your triangle. The corners of the triangle should be folded almost to nothing, while the middle of the folded portion should extend to approximately 1/4″. Topstitch the pressed edge using a 1/8″ seam allowance.

 4. Add another triangle to the bottom left-hand corner. Again, the raw edge of the triangle should be aligned with the outer edge of the base fabric. Fold and stitch the new triangle as you did in the previous step.

 5. Add another triangle to the bottom right-hand corner. Again, the raw edge of the triangle should be aligned with the outer edge of the base fabric. Fold and stitch the new triangle.

6. Add the center star triangle to the upper right-hand corner. Again, the raw edge of the triangle should be aligned with the outer edge of the base fabric. Fold and stitch the new triangle.

7. Repeat the previous steps to complete a total of 4 blocks. You can either proceed with the same fabric order, or randomly place your fabrics, like I did for my block.

8. Sew your blocks together, 2 blocks across and 2 blocks down. When sewing the blocks together, make sure that the edges of the center star fabrics are right sides together.

And you’re finished! Stay tuned for the other cathedral window blocks in the Pellon Sampler Series!

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23 thoughts on “Layered Cathedral Window Block

  1. The fabric is just fabulous and the technique is one to learn. Thank you

  2. RobbieJoy says:

    I love your creativity and workmanship, but I it was really hard to see the block itself together from the photo. A little too busy. Nice tutorial. 🙂

  3. RobbieJoy says:

    I added your blog to my favorites on my computer today! 🙂

  4. ritainalaska says:

    nice variation, but have to agree with robbiejoy … i do like the tute, thanx for that! will give it a try with some solid thrown in.

  5. Laura says:

    Gasp! Gorgeous but how can you bear to hide all that TP?

  6. Laura says:

    Btw totally blaming you for new TP addiction!!!

  7. This is really cool! I’m pinning it so I can remember to do it later. 🙂

  8. emedoodle says:

    🙂 Beautiful! I love your take on the Cathedrals!

  9. emedoodle says:

    PS have you been getting a lot done while avoiding FB & Twitter?

  10. Bree says:

    I love it! I just finished pressing pieces so I can make a solid one, hopefully tonight!

  11. Jessica Lynn says:

    Great job!!! Adding to my favorites!

  12. vexa says:

    great tutorial! I might give it a go. thanks.

  13. Lori says:

    This is very cool. Thanks for sharing.

  14. Wow, that was much easier than I thought it was going to be.

  15. Carrie P. says:

    cool, i am going to give this a try.

  16. Judith says:

    SWEET! I am going to try this too! Love your fabric choices. Sweet block. Thanks for sharing and the tutorial…Judith, Texas

  17. This looked so interesting that I joined this weekly CAL that featured this block and hope to complete it.

  18. Wendy says:

    What a lovely block! It’s way too advanced for me, but I’ve pinned it for future use!

  19. Katy47p says:

    So clever, I love your version, the one made with solids looks amazing too.

  20. Leah says:

    This is an amazing block! I’m in love!

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