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:

Printer Friendly Instructions

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!