Learn How to Make a Cathedral Window Quilt!

One of the quilts on my 'to do list' for years has been a nice cathedral window featuring batiks in some of my favorite colors set against a white background. This quilt was inspired by something similar my friend's mother, a Quilter, had created and submitted to the Tennessee State Fair years back. In today's video...I finally challenge myself to make the quilt I've been carrying around in my head for years...and I'm going to show you - step by step - how I did it!
💻Links to things I mentioned in the Video:
➝ Acorn Easy Press Pen: shrsl.com/4ax8a
➝ Acorn Seam Align Glue: shrsl.com/4n1xi
➝ Wool Pressing Mat: sewingbysarah.com?aff=30 (use SEWBECCA for 20% off!)
➝ Pin Cup from Purple Hobbies: www.purplehobb... (use SEWBECCA for 20% off!)
➝ Modern American Vintage Clapper: modernamerican...
➝ Sean: ‪@TheGuyWhoSews‬
💌How to Find Me
➝ Website: www.sewbecca.com
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🛒Affiliate Links
➝ AccuQuilt: shrsl.com/3yahx
➝ Amazon: amzn.to/3QmU1WV
➝ Annie's Kit Clubs: shrsl.com/3yahr
➝ Connecting Threads: shrsl.com/3yahm
➝ Fat Quarter Shop: shrsl.com/3dzlu
➝ Juki Junkies: jukijunkies.co...
➝ Legit Kits: shrsl.com/3zjgb
➝ Missouri Star Quilt Co: glnk.io/mzmmj/...
➝ Purple Hobbies: www.purplehobb... (use SEWBECCA for 20% off!)
➝ Sewing by Sarah: sewingbysarah.com?aff=30 (use SEWBECCA for 20% off!)
➝ Sewing Machines Plus: shrsl.com/3yai0

[@catherinesofikitis179]

You are an incredible teacher. Thanks❤

[@sewbecca]

Thank you! 😃

[@vr6410]

You know you can do just about anything. Becca!!!

[@franceb3170]

Thank you for this video. After a year of thought, I now know what I want my throw pillow for my new sofa to be. I can't wait to try this cathedral window pattern. You made it look so do-able while releasing me from the desire for near perfection.

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful! Just breathe, and take it slow...and you'll be OK!

[@kathydettore2358]

Excellent tutorial. You made an intimidating block so manageable. You’re an excellent teacher/ creator. Thank you!

[@sewbecca]

Thank you!

[@joane8651]

Oh, Becca, this was sew sew beautiful! You could not have explained it better, thanks very much

[@sewbecca]

Thank you!

[@lynniereeves2607]

My mom made one queen size when I was a teenager by hand sewing. I helped with cutting squares.

[@sewbecca]

Awww, what wonderful memories!!

[@donnahinch1627]

I loved your cathedral window quilt, it’s beyond my skills, but it’s beautiful!

[@sewbecca]

Thank you!

[@pooie0116]

I love the glue basting technique! Also I think it might be a lot easier to quilt by doing long, gentle S-shaped curves diagonally from one side to the other (as opposed to having to turn the whole quilt to go around each individual window one at a time). It turned really great - Good luck at the State Fair!

[@sewbecca]

As I got further along, that became something I was able to do a little more comfortably. The struggle for me is the curves were so small that I was constantly quilting circles, LOL

[@mammafo]

Lovely! Love Ruby! Good luck on the competition between you and Sean, keep us updated please.

[@sewbecca]

Thank you! Will do!

[@wolfcookie1197]

You are a great and gifted teacher! Beautiful quilt. I love your gluing technique. I may get the courage to try this. Thank you.

[@ChristineKrannich]

I specifically am learning to quilt to make one for my mom. As soon as I am healthy enough, I’ll get started.

[@sewbecca]

Wow! That's going to be an amazing gift!

[@kathyvetter663]

Excellent teaching video! Thank you for sharing this information. Cathedral Window is on my bucket list 😃❤️

[@cindysullivan1540]

You are very brave! Excellent work! And I have not seen your videos lately but you are looking really good too!

[@sewbecca]

Thank you!

[@barbaraking9033]

Both of your quilts are beautiful.Good luck to you both.

[@sewbecca]

Thank you so much!

[@gwenlehman5911]

Just WOW! I've been wanting to make one for years. Thank you.

[@sewbecca]

Give it a try! And if you want one that's a little easier to work with, just upsize your squares. I'd just make sure your colored fabrics are 1/4" smaller than the background fabrics.

[@judyjohnson6436]

It’s beautiful and you explained everything so well. Thank you!

[@sewbecca]

Thank you!

[@terryberg2863]

Wow, interesting technique. My grandmother made a king-size one in the late 1960s. It was all sewn by hand. There was no batting, quilting, or backing. I don’t recall how she did it, but the squares were cut much bigger and were folded, forming both the front and back at the same time. Then the colored pieces were put in, and the folds were sewn down. The squares were made of muslin, and they were all hand stitched together. It weighed a ton! I'd like to try your method some day (for a pillow). 😊

[@TheLadyLair]

I’ve got this on my bucket list too. This turned out fantastic.

[@sewbecca]

Thank you - I can't wait to see what yours looks like when you get around to doing it!!

[@scottydog6539]

They are easy to make. Machine and hand sewn.

[@stephpennell129]

Well done becca

[@evelynspeares6531]

That was a huge project. It looks fantastic. You inspired me to want to try this. Thanks for your tips.

[@sewbecca]

You're welcome - you should definitely try this...just make sure to be patient with yourself!

[@cherylsmith3002]

This is beautiful! Now I want to make one. It does look tome intensive, but not as scary as I thought.

[@sewbecca]

It's not hard - but is time consuming. If you're worried about the quilting, try some bigger squares! Just make your background squares 1/4" bigger than your colors.

[@janeenpfeiffer3465]

So glad you made this tutorial!! Adding this to my library because this quilt is on my bucket list!!

[@sewbecca]

Hahaha! We can get started on yours in PA next year! I'll bring some glue, LOL!

[@gregwitges6233]

just beautiful!! Sooo my colors. Thank you for sharing. Hugs from Barbara.

[@sewbecca]

Thank you so much! Hugs from Becca! ;)

[@cheriem2171]

Terrific tutorial - clear instructions and I LOVE the acorn products. Another option for sewing the seams is using your walking foot

[@sewbecca]

That's a great idea, too!

[@doreneboult8804]

I'm done for the day, and I get to watch you and I want to make that

[@sewbecca]

Yay!!!!!

[@mariejohns1387]

Becca… don’t ever doubt your teaching or explaining skills!! You are an amazing teacher! I love love love this method! I tried one that I saw on Tracy’s channel but mine looked sloppy. I love the acorn products. Can’t wait to try this!! ❤

[@sewbecca]

Thank you so much!

[@barbaraherron-mangel1116]

Thanks Becca you did a great tutorial! I hope you do well with your doll Quilt entry.

[@sewbecca]

I hope so too!

[@cindygoode3185]

Enjoyed watching you make this quilt. I have it on my bucket list but too chicken to try but now maybe I will but larger blocks. Good luck at the fair with your quilt.

[@sewbecca]

I've tackled this with bigger squares in the past, but the one i've had in my head forever is the version with the smaller squares!

[@MichellesCraftsandMore]

It is gorgeous Becca. I'd love to eventually make one when I have been quilting longer.

[@sewbecca]

Go for it!

[@giovannacasadio9600]

It is beautiful. I love it, but I don't think I will ever make one.❤

[@sewbecca]

It is a lot of work - I don't know when I'll tackle another!

[@victoriastewart2152]

It is gorgeous! Good job 👏

[@sewbecca]

Thank you! 😊

[@susantomlinson3704]

Great tutorial, Makes me think I might be up for the challange of making a Cathedral window.

[@sewbecca]

You can do it!

[@beckyezra1]

Becca, it is soooo beautiful. bless!

[@sewbecca]

Thank you so much!

[@paulavandieden8609]

So clear & precise, Becca! Always wanted to try one of these & the size is right up my alley! Wil be going on my make very soon list. Happy hump day ;)

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome! If you want to make this even more managable, try going for a square shaped piece that can be used as a pillow cover!

[@paulavandieden8609]

@@sewbecca That's a great idea Becca thank you!

[@lauramolen9453]

Beautiful quilt! And I love your hair cut. 😍

[@sewbecca]

Thank ya!

[@virginiaturner7836]

Your quilt is beautiful!

[@sewbecca]

Thank you! 😊

[@trinataco4493]

I want to make this, I am not normally intimidated but this…. I cannot imagine making a larger quilt and having to try to quilt this on my domestic machine. Well done Becca!!!!!

[@sewbecca]

Keep it as a small project!!

[@trinataco4493]

@@sewbecca 😂 me and small are not friends 😂

[@beckyspencer1458]

Becca, You are awesome, and brave to try this pattern! I love the colors you picked.

[@dgraham719]

It can easily be done as quilt as you go

[@deloresgoudelock7618]

Great job. Makes me want to try to make one.

[@chickad5820]

I've done this with 5" squares and it was super fun. I didn't glue, it was several years ago, but I top stitched the window down. I've set those block aside cuz I wasn't sure about what I wanted to make with them. I fussy cut the inside squares where you have your color so there's something to look at. It actually gave the blocks a demential affect. This video is just what I needed to finish this project. Thanks Becca, this is stunning work. Try it in 5" squares, it's faster and easier and see if it's less stressed and much easier. Can you imagine even bigger squares? How fun that would be. The more you do the less stressed and relaxing it becomes. Thanks again Becca, YOU ROCK... Babs near Tombstone AZ

[@sewbecca]

5” squares would definitely make it easier!!!

[@AprilWittwer]

Its so pretty ❤

[@sewbecca]

Thank you!

[@chantalharvey5746]

Great tutoriel. Thanks for sharing😊

[@sewbecca]

You’re welcome 😊

[@kymburriss4260]

Beautiful ❤ You did a great job

[@sewbecca]

Thank you! 😊

[@CindyOgilvie]

Many (many, many) years ago I did this using muslin and hand stitching. I ended up with a pillow .... I wonder what happened to it? 😊 It was fun but definitely using newer techniques sounds like a huge improvement. Good luck! It is beautiful.

[@sewbecca]

I think a pillow sized version of this would be nice!!!

[@kaybella51]

Thank you for the cathedral window video. Very clear instructions. 😊

[@sewbecca]

You're so welcome - thanks for watching!!

[@noniemcd]

I made a nine patch cathedral window years ago for each of the girls in my online group when we were having our annual retreat. There was another block hanging off the edge that was trying to jump onto the quilt. Each one took forever and it didn’t look as good as yours does. I may give this another try. You teach well. Thanks!😊

[@sewbecca]

Thanks! My previous attempts didn't look as good as this one did, either. Slowing down and being very methodical about each individual step - while labor intensive - did yield very nice results. :)

[@zormier2002]

You have taught this so well. Very good job Becca! ❤

[@sewbecca]

Thank you! 😃

[@MelodyQuilts]

Can’t imagine trying this one…yet! Great job, Ms Becca! (Still thinking of calling it Twilight Sparkle?) 😊

[@sewbecca]

Yeap! I made the label today - she’s officially titled “Twilight Sparkle”

[@bonniewalker5225]

You made it sound so simple. Great job. Thanks.

[@sewbecca]

Thanks for watching!

[@kimdavenport9820]

So beautiful ❤❤❤. Thank you for sharing your way to do this ❤❤❤

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome

[@BrendaH289]

Thank you for such a great tutorial! You did an excellent job of explaining

[@sewbecca]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jeane.2722]

Lovely.

[@zormier2002]

It is so beautiful! I love it. 😻

[@sewbecca]

Thank you! 😊

[@johnJUMU]

Wow this looks awesome and I love your red sewing machine ❤

[@sewbecca]

Thanks so much 😊

[@Ellen-misty.meadows.]

Wonderful instructions! Maybe someday I’ll work up the nerve to try it! ❤

[@sewbecca]

Thank you! It's not difficult, just time consuming! Give it a shot...and if this felt too tedious to you, try bigger squares! I'd just make the pops of color about 1/4" smaller than your background squares. :)

[@Ellen-misty.meadows.]

⁠@@sewbecca oh, a little bigger square might be a bit easier to handle. I see a little wall hanging in my future! Thank you, I enjoy your videos and live stream so much.

[@sewitseams2705]

I MISS YOU, BECCA. 😢Still luv ya. 🎉Life happened. 😮 Now, not only quilting and sewing, crocheting, there's wood working, wreath making, bling home decor, diamond painting ❤ and now, I learning about polymer clay pens. Idk. I guess I'm a crafter 😅.

[@sewbecca]

Oooh, wood working sounds like fun!!!! It doesn't matter what you're doing or how you're doing it, as long as it brings you joy!

[@louisemcroke6715]

Becca, it was worth every minute! When and where is the Virginia State Fair? Unfortunately, I just started a hand-pieced hexagon quilt, so this cathedral window is going on the bucket list. I am already old and grayish, so it may take me a while!

[@sewbecca]

Virginia state fair is in the Richmond area and will be end of September/early October!

[@louisemcroke6715]

@@sewbecca Darn! I'll be in Midlothian in a couple of weeks, but probably won't be back down there until late October/early November!

[@ncgal50]

❤ What is your white fabric ? Your video has given me the confidence to start and finish a Cathedral window quilt.

[@brasskat2004]

Hey, I really enjoy your videos! What model machine do you use?

[@sewbecca]

In this video, I started with a Juki TL-18 and finished on a Vintage 1951 Singer 301

[@debbielong1168]

Can you use larger squares with the same technique?

[@Love2Quilt]

@ hi Becca

[@sewbecca]

Hello there!

[@lorettablevins4292]

Love the cathedral window

[@sewbecca]

It's honestly one of my favorite quilts!

[@SaraMc-ez2mv]

This is on my to do list. I notice you have been using a red singer for the last while….what happened to the Juki? I am sure you explained in a video that I missed!

[@sewbecca]

I still have the Juki - she sits off camera on a different sewing table. :) I use her for FPP and doing anything that requires sewing through a ton of bulk! The Singer, affectionately named 'Ruby', is a 1951 301 that I've just fallen in love with. I'm in my 'piecing on a vintage machine' era!

[@SaraMc-ez2mv]

@@sewbecca love it!

[@sherihendricks5309]

SewBecca I emailed you from your website. I'm needing Bill dad's info...please.

[@sewbecca]

Hi Sheri - I found your email! I'm working and hadn't gotten a chance to check the Sew Becca email yet...was planning to do that this evening. Found it and replied!

[@donnachristen5881]

And nary a hand stitch was used! SHAME! A true cathedral window is made by hand!

[@sewbecca]

As Frank Sinatra would say, “I did it my way!”