Cathedral window quilt tutorials and tips

Thanks for everyones comments on my quilt. To answer some questions, there is more then one way to make this quilt. I tried two versions, Version 1 found here was the one that worked well for me. I used the same scale of block as this version but I did adapt it slightly and hand stitched the points on the underside to keep them together and create a sharper point. A few stitches will do, its just to ensure the point stays put when you begin folding the window.



Once that was done I did a temporary stitch to hold the 2 seperate window points together before I sewed on the windows. This not only kept everything in place,I found that it helped anchor the point when folding the curved edge. This lead to a cleaner finish, and if you make sure the knot is on the top of the fabric it will make the stiches much easier to remove afterward...tweezers help with this.



The other version was to fold to block in half and chain stitch these before folding as per this tutorial. This didnt appeal to me as I found the seams bulky, even once clipped, and therefore the corners were always a little bulky. Also, when the square was created, the seams quite often were off and difficult to match up and the whole block became very creased when you had to turn the square. So this method didnt really save time like I first thougfht it might. Advantages to using this method however, is that it used slightly less fabric and that the two peices of fabric on the underside of the point were already sewn together, but its personal preference. I just found adapting version 1 a lot neater for the end result.

Also, it may seam obvious but use a hot iron, preferably with steam. As hot as you can get away with, I used an old cereal box for my template and it coped well with the heat , but irons vary so test what heat works well for you, and using steam really helps make those points sharp.

I wish I'd known all of these tips before I began, so I hope they will help if you decide to make one, they definitely make a difference because I could see a definate improvement in my points towards the end of the quilt.

Have a nice weekend xxx