Making an attic window quilt can be a fun and rewarding project, but it requires some essential tools and materials. To get started, you'll need a sewing machine and a rotary cutter.
The size of your quilt will depend on the size of your attic window pattern, which can range from 18 inches to 24 inches in diameter. This size will give you a good balance between detail and fabric usage.
For a more intricate design, consider using a 1/4 inch seam allowance to ensure your quilt top stays together. I've found that this seam allowance also helps to minimize bulk in the finished quilt.
To make your quilt-making process more efficient, you can download and print our free attic window quilt pattern and instructions. This will give you a clear guide to follow and help you stay on track.
Block Instructions
To make an attic window quilt block, start by cutting your fabrics according to the fabric calculator chart. This will ensure that you have the right pieces for the block.
Unless otherwise noted, seams are 1/4 inch. This is a crucial detail to keep in mind as you sew the block together.
Cut the fabric pieces according to the Block Size Cutting Chart from scraps or strips. This will save you time and ensure that your pieces are the right size.
To fussy cut a square, place a square quilting ruler on a piece of fabric that is long and wide enough to accommodate the size needed square. Choose the area/design on the fabric to fussy cut and center the ruler over it.
To make a faux Y seam, draw a diagonal line from the left corner to right corner on the wrong side of the small square. Stitch a seam on the drawn line with right sides together, aligning the square on the right-hand side of the bottom strip so that it faces like a \ (backslash).
Here are the steps to make a faux Y seam:
- Draw a diagonal line from the left corner to right corner on the wrong side of the small square.
- Stitch a seam on the drawn line with right sides together, aligning the square on the right-hand side of the bottom strip so that it faces like a \ (backslash).
- Trim the corner 1/4 inch from the seam line using a quilting ruler.
The finished size of an attic windows block is 7 1/2" square. This is a great size for a quilt block, allowing for a nice balance of design and texture.
Materials and Preparation
To make an attic window quilt, you'll need to gather the right materials. You'll need 1/4 yard of three fabrics or three fat quarters.
Thread is also essential for sewing the quilt together.
To ensure you have everything you need, let's take a look at the materials list in more detail.
Instructions and Tutorials
To make an attic window quilt block, you'll need to cut your fabrics according to the fabric calculator chart. This will help you determine the correct sizes for each piece.
Cutting accurately is key, so make sure to use a rotary cutter and a quilting ruler to get precise cuts. You can also use a Frixion pen to mark a diagonal line on the wrong side of the fabric for a stitching guide line.
To make a faux Y seam, draw a diagonal line from the left corner to the right corner on the wrong side of the small square. Then, stitch a seam on the drawn line with right sides together, aligning the square on the right-hand side of the bottom strip.
Here are the steps to make a faux Y seam in a nutshell:
To complete the attic window quilt block, you'll need to stitch the side strip to the large square, then stitch the bottom sill unit to the large square/side strip unit.
Instructions
Cutting your fabrics is the first step in making an attic window quilt block. It's essential to use a quilting ruler and rotary cutter to get accurate cuts.
To audition different fabrics for your 'window frames', take some time to arrange them in a way that clearly differentiates them from the square.
For a 12 inch size block, you'll need to cut fabric pieces according to the Block Size Cutting Chart. You can also fussy cut a large square, or window portion of the block, by placing a quilting ruler on a piece of fabric and cutting along the edges.
Using a rotary cutter to cut along the edges of the quilting ruler will leave you with a fussy cut square. This technique is especially useful when working with prints or fabrics with unique designs.
Here are the basic steps to make a half square triangle:
1. Mark a diagonal line on the wrong side of the lighter color fabric of the small square.
2. Layer the two small squares right sides together and sew 1/4" on either side of the marked line.
3. Turn and sew 1/4" on the other side of the marked line.
4. Cut down the marked line, forming two half square triangles.
5. Press the seam on the half square triangle to your preference.
To make a faux Y seam, place a 1/4 inch measurement line of a quilting ruler on the seam of the stitched on square and trim the corner 1/4 inch from the seam line. This technique is a great alternative to the traditional Y seam.
Sashing Width
The sashing can be any width you like, but it's best to make it at least 1/4 the size of your block sides.
For an attic window quilt, the sashing represents the window panes, so it's worth considering the size of your blocks when deciding on the width.
You can make the sashing 1/2-inch wide, which is a good minimum size to work with.
Any smaller than 1/2-inch and the sashing may be difficult to manage, so it's best to stick with a wider width.
Free Patterns and Downloads
You can find free patterns and downloads for your attic window quilt online.
Some popular websites to check out include Craftsy and Moogly, which offer a wide range of free quilt patterns that you can use for your project.
To get started, you can search for "free attic window quilt pattern" or "attic window quilt tutorial" to find plenty of resources.
6. Free
If you're looking for a free quilt pattern, you're in luck because there are several options available. The Tranquil Views Quilt Pattern by Elise Lea for RK is a great choice, measuring 56 1/2″ x 62 1/2″ and perfect for beginners.
This pattern creates a peaceful winter scene through attic window frames, showcasing cool tones and tree silhouettes. The blocks are designed to appear as windows into a tranquil, snowy landscape, capturing the season's stillness and beauty in fabric.
The Attic Windows Quilt Pattern from Pellon Projects offers a mesmerizing optical illusion display through color and contrast. It mimics the classic attic window design with a contemporary abstract flair.
For a more modern take on traditional quilting, the Attic Windows Quilt Pattern is a great option. Its playful geometry turns a simple blanket into a captivating work of art.
If you're looking for a simpler design, the Simple Attic Windows Quilt Pattern from Connecting Threads is a great choice. It showcases nature's splendor from lavender fields to sunset skies, creating an illusion of depth in each panel.
The Simple Attic Windows Quilt Pattern cleverly creates an illusion of depth, making each panel look like a window into a vibrant, natural scene.
Crib (Pdf Printable)
The Attic Window Crib Quilt pattern is a great choice for those looking to add a creative touch to their quilting. This pattern, designed by Becky Cable, is available for purchase as a PDF printable pattern.
The Attic Window Crib Quilt measures 39” x 47”, making it a perfect size for a crib quilt. Its unique window view design allows for personalization in a nursery or as a gift.
This pattern introduces an easy method for creating mitered corners, making it a great project for beginners. The pattern's versatility makes it an ideal project for those looking to create a custom quilt.
Top Free Picks
I've got some top picks for you! The Moogly Crochet community offers a range of free crochet patterns, including a popular Granny Square pattern.
You can also find free knitting patterns on the Purl Soho website, such as the Purl Soho Simple Knit Scarf pattern. It's a great resource for beginners and experienced knitters alike.
The Craftsy website features a variety of free sewing patterns, including the Craftsy Free Quilt Pattern. This pattern is perfect for those looking to create a beautiful quilt without breaking the bank.
The Knitting Help website offers a range of free knitting tutorials and patterns, including the Knitting Help Garter Stitch Scarf pattern. It's a great way to learn new skills and stay up-to-date with the latest knitting trends.
The Creativebug website features a variety of free crafting tutorials and patterns, including the Creativebug Free Quilt Pattern. It's a great resource for those looking to explore their creative side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name for an attic window?
A dormer is a type of roof window that projects from a pitched roof, often providing natural light to an attic space. Also known as a dormer window, it's a common feature in many homes.
Do you use batting in a cathedral window quilt?
No, traditional Cathedral Windows Quilts are made without batting, using muslin as the base. This unique construction method creates a distinctive look and feel.
Sources
- https://www.scrapish.com/attic-window-quilt-block.html
- https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/easy-attic-windows-quilt-block-pattern-2821486
- http://quiltinspiration.blogspot.com/2013/08/free-pattern-day-attic-windows-quilts.html
- https://ilovequiltingforever.com/top-5-free-attic-window-quilt-patterns/
- https://createwhimsy.com/projects/attic-window-quilt-pattern/
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