Fabric Panels for Attic Window Quilt Making Guide

Working with fabric panels for attic window quilts can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered.

To start, it's essential to choose the right size of fabric panel. Typically, a 40" x 40" or 60" x 60" panel is ideal for a standard attic window quilt.

You can use a single panel or combine multiple panels to achieve the desired size. The key is to ensure the panels are the same width, so your quilt looks even and symmetrical.

When selecting fabric, consider the color and pattern of the panel. A bold, contrasting color can make your quilt stand out, while a subtle pattern can create a more delicate look.

Related reading: Attic Window Quilt Shop

An attic window quilt is made by splitting a favorite panel and adding light, medium, and dark strips strategically to create the depth of a multi-pane window.

You'll need to choose a fabric panel or focus fabric, and Quilters' Paradise has a wonderful selection of Asian prints or novelty fabric panels to choose from.

To achieve the 3D attic window effect, you'll need to add frames to your panel, and Liz Granberg-Jerome will guide you through this process in her class.

Here's a quick rundown of the fabric you'll need:

Liz has 15+ years of quilting experience and 50+ years of sewing experience, so you're in good hands with her teaching you the basics of creating an attic window quilt.

Cutting fabric pieces is the first step in making an attic window quilt block. Use the Block Size Cutting Chart to determine the size of the pieces you need.

A quilting ruler is necessary for fussy cutting a square. Place the ruler on the fabric, centering it over the area you want to cut.

To fussy cut a square, cut along the edges of the quilting ruler using a rotary cutter. Leave the fussy cut square intact.

The seams in an attic window quilt block are typically 1/4 inch. This is the standard unless otherwise noted.

On a similar theme: Quilt Square

To make a right facing attic window block, stitch a seam on the wrong side of the small square, drawing a diagonal line from the left corner to the right corner.

The stitch and flip technique is used to make a 45 degree angle in the bottom sill unit. This is achieved by placing the 1/4 inch measurement line of a quilting ruler on the seam and trimming the corner 1/4 inch from the seam line.

Pressing the seam up, toward the side strip, will help the attic window quilt block take shape. This is especially important after flipping the corner right side up.

Stitching the side strip to the large square will make a right facing attic window block. The side strip should be placed on the right-hand side of the large square.

To complete the attic window quilt block, flip the bottom sill right side up and press the seam towards it. Your block is now complete!

Consider reading: Block Light

The attic window pattern is a versatile design that can be used to create a variety of quilts, from wall hangings to full-sized quilts.

To make an attic window quilt block, you'll need to cut fabric pieces according to the block size cutting chart. This chart can be found in the instructions for the 12-inch size block, which demonstrates fussy cutting a large square, or window portion of the block.

Fussy cutting is a technique used to cut out a specific design or pattern from a piece of fabric. To do this, place a square quilting ruler on the fabric and center it over the desired design, then use a rotary cutter to cut along the edges of the ruler.

The attic window quilt block can be oriented either to the right or left, depending on how you place the small square in relation to the bottom sill strip. If you want a right-facing block, place the small square on the right-hand side of the bottom sill strip, and if you want a left-facing block, place it on the left end of the bottom sill strip.

If this caught your attention, see: Cut Plastic Bathroom Panels

To complete the block, you'll need to stitch the side strip to the large square, then flip the side strip right side up and press the seam towards it. Finally, stitch the bottom sill unit to the large square/side strip unit, and flip the bottom sill right side up to complete the block.

The attic window quilt pattern can be used to create a variety of quilt designs, including a 36 x 36-inch quilt that uses an 8-inch attic window block. This design features 9 blocks edged by 1/2-inch sashing strips, as well as a 1-inch middle border and a 4-inch outer border.

A fresh viewpoint: Attic Window Quilt Patterns

Quilting with fabric panels can be a breeze if you follow a few simple tips. To ensure your layers are smooth and flat, spread out each layer before placing the next one on top.

Working on a large surface is essential, as it allows you to spread out the panel and layers completely. This will prevent any wrinkles or creases from forming.

To keep your quilt looking perfectly square, use a small square to check the corners and edges of the design. This will help you make any necessary adjustments to get the design looking straight.

Check this out: Looking through a Skylight Window from below

Quilting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for beginners. To help you get started, here are 5 tips to keep in mind.

First, remember that quilting with fabric panels is similar to making a sandwich - you just need to layer the fabric, batting, and backing fabric on top of each other. This means that you should spread out each layer so it's flat and smooth before placing the next layer on top.

Working on a large surface is also crucial when quilting with fabric panels. This will give you enough room to spread out the panel and layers without having to worry about them shifting or wrinkling.

To ensure that your quilt pattern looks perfectly square, use a small square to check the corners and edges of the design. This will save you time and frustration in the long run.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when quilting with fabric panels:

Remember, quilting is all about patience and practice. Don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the printed design to look right. With time and practice, you'll be creating beautiful quilts in no time!

Cutting sections can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques, you'll be a pro in no time. To make the process easier, spread the fabric panel out on the table without ironing it.

You can use either scissors or a rotary cutter and straight edge to cut fabric panel sections. Scissors can be a bit more precise, but a rotary cutter is faster and more efficient.

If the fabric panel looks a little lopsided or has been stretched out of shape, gently tug on the panel from the opposite corners to put tension on the fabric fibers. This helps to pull it back into shape.

To press the fabric panel after straightening it, use a damp pressing cloth and lightly apply the hot iron. Don't drag the iron across the fabric, as this can cause damage.

If you're using a rotary cutter, align the straight edge where you want it on the quilt pattern, then roll the cutter blade alongside the straight edge to free the printed design.

Prewashing a fabric panel can be a crucial step in the quilting process. It washes out chemicals used in producing the panel.

There are several reasons to prewash a fabric panel, including preshrinking the fabric to prevent shrinkage after the quilt is finished. This is especially helpful if you want your quilt to have a smooth finish after laundering.

Prewashing can also wash out excess dye or set the dye, which can help prevent bleeding on your finished quilt. This is especially important if you're working with bright colors.

You can skip the prewash step if you want to work with crisp fabric that's easy to cut and stitch. This can be a nice perk, especially if you're short on time.

Here are the key reasons to prewash a fabric panel:

For a fabric panel attic window quilt, you'll need a few essential materials. Cotton fabric is a popular choice due to its breathability and durability.

To ensure your quilt hangs smoothly, you'll want to use a sturdy backing fabric like canvas or muslin. These fabrics provide a stable base for your quilt and prevent sagging.

Batting, or insulating material, is also crucial for a fabric panel attic window quilt. Polyester batting is a good option, as it provides warmth and helps maintain the quilt's shape.

In Step 3 of quilting, you'll bring each window pane together using a white sashing strip. This involves sewing a white 20″ strip of fabric between each pair of window panes, keeping them in the correct orientation to maintain the scene's integrity.

You'll need three types of white fabric strips: 3 – 2.5″ x 20″, 4 – 2.5″ x WOF, and 2 – 2.5″ x 66″. The latter will require piecing some strips together to achieve the desired length.

To add top and bottom borders, measure the sewn rows and trim your 4 WOF fabric strips to match the length of your rows. My rows measured about 42″, so I trimmed my strips to that size.

Here's a summary of the white fabric strips needed for Step 3:

After sewing the rows together, you'll add a strip to the bottom of the quilt, and then use the remaining fabric to create your two side borders.

When sewing by hand, a 40-weight quilting thread is a good choice to avoid thread breakage.

For machine sewing, look for all-cotton quilting thread to pair well with cotton or cotton blend fabrics.

Silk and metallic threads can add a unique touch to your quilting project when used with fine cotton printed fabrics.

Rayon, nylon, and wool quilting threads are often used to add decorative touches and visual appeal to quilting projects.

Here are some thread options to consider:

Needles for quilting are a crucial part of the process, and choosing the right ones can make all the difference.

For hand sewing, look for betweens, which are short and have a small eye. This makes them stronger for pushing through multiple layers.

These needles are ideal for making wall hangings or full-size bed quilts.

For machine quilting, look for needles labeled as machine quilting needles. They're specifically designed for this type of quilting.