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Sewing Cathedral Windows: Instructions for Cathedral Window Patchwork

17.03.2024 by Kati

Cathedral Window nähen: Anleitung für Kirchenfenster-Patchwork

Sewing Cathedral Windows: The traditional cathedral window patchwork is also popular with beginners. We will show you four ways to sew it.

The most important things at a glance

  • In this guide, you will learn what Cathedral Window is and how you can use it
  • You will get to know 4 variations for sewing the Cathedral Window technique
  • You will learn how church window patchwork works and how you can easily sew it, even as a beginner
  • You will get an overview of which fabrics are suitable for patchwork
  • And, of course, there is plenty of information on the necessary materials and sewing techniques
  • Sewing level: easy to advanced
  • Sewing time: 1 - 2 afternoons

What is Cathedral Window Patchwork?

Cathedral Window patchwork is named this way because the pattern resembles a cathedral window.
Solid-colored window frames surround a colorful piece of fabric, just like in a stained-glass church window. The fabrics are folded and sewn together in a specific way. It is an interesting technique that allows you to showcase both patterned and solid-colored fabrics.

YouTube Video Cathedral Window Patchwork

Patchwork fan Kati (you already know her from her fantastic tutorials on English Paper Piecing and Reversible Quilting) has prepared a wonderful tutorial on sewing church window patchwork for you. Or should I perhaps say: FOUR tutorials? Because that is exactly what awaits you in this post: four variations on the subject of Cathedral Window patchwork, each one more beautiful than the last.

What is special about this technique is the three-dimensional frame used to fold the fabric around a center fabric. And not only does it look stunningly beautiful, but with a little practice, it is also doable for beginners.

So: grab your fabric scraps, pick your favorite technique for sewing a Cathedral Window, and get started!

What do you need for Cathedral Window Patchwork?

You need classic patchwork accessories:

Tip on the ruler: In this case, we work with centimeters; however, most patchwork patterns use inches because many designs come from English-speaking countries. If you plan to spend more time on patchwork, I advise you to purchase an inch ruler*.

Which fabrics are suitable for sewing church window patchwork?

Actually, almost all woven fabrics are suitable, but if you are just starting, I would recommend classic, thin (cotton) woven fabric to keep the challenge manageable.
These fabrics do not need to be pre-treated. This technique also works very beautifully with flannel fabrics. Here are our recommendations:

Conclusion: Sewing church window patchwork is great!

Sewing Cathedral Windows is fun and, of course, looks extremely artistic, doesn't it? I immediately get even more ideas for what one could create with this patchwork technique. And fans of hand sewing will definitely get their money's worth here.

But even if you prefer using a sewing machine, the classic Cathedral Window patchwork, sometimes also called church window or cathedral window patchwork, is a great idea.

I personally prefer a hand-sewing variation, as I enjoy sewing by hand and find it very relaxing.

With this sewing technique, you can conjure up many beautiful (and artistically looking) things. We hope you have fun trying it out!

Happy simple sewing, Kati & Sabine

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Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Step-by-step instructions

Instruction 1 / 4

Method 1: Cathedral window sewn and turned

A method for beginners who enjoy hand sewing — also known as Atarashii patchwork. You need 1 circle (frame) and 1 square of 7.5 x 7.5 cm (window) per block.

  1. Step

    Cut the circle

    Cut out the cutting template from paper, transfer it to the fabric and cut out a circle.

    Cut the circle
  2. Step

    Prepare the pressing template

    Print the pressing template on thicker paper (e.g. drawing card) or trace it by hand. Cut it out and place it centred on the wrong side of the fabric circle (fix it with a glue stick if needed).

    Press the 0.75 cm seam allowance over the template.

    Prepare the pressing template
  3. Step

    Check the frame

    This is what the fabric for the frame should look like now.

    Check the frame
  4. Step

    Cut and insert the inner square

    Cut a square with 7.5 cm sides from a contrast fabric.

    Place the square wrong sides together in the centre of the circle and pin it.

    Cut and insert the inner square
  5. Step

    Fold over the frame

    Fold the curved edges over the square and pin them. The seam allowance of the frame stays folded inwards.

    Fold over the frame
  6. Step

    Sew the frame sides to the window

    Attach the frame sides to the inner square (window) with an appliqué stitch. You sew through the fabric — the stitches will be visible on the back.

    Sew the frame sides to the window
  7. Step

    Close the corners neatly

    The corners can get a bit fiddly — try to close all corners evenly.

    Close the corners neatly
  8. Step

    Make more squares

    Once your first square is done, start again and make as many more squares as you like.

    Make more squares
  9. Step

    Pin the squares right sides together

    Place the squares right sides together and pin them.

    Pin the squares right sides together
  10. Step

    Join the squares with a whip stitch

    Join the squares with a whip stitch. This is what 2 joined squares look like.

    Join the squares with a whip stitch
  11. Step

    Extend as you like

    You can join as many squares as you want — for a coaster, a placemat or a blanket. Collect fabric scraps and use them over time.

    Extend as you like
  12. Step

    Lavender sachet from two squares

    Fold two squares wrong sides together and sew 3 sides closed by hand. You can sew a little ribbon into the top corner for hanging.

    Lavender sachet from two squares
  13. Step

    Fill the sachet

    Fill the sachet through the open side with lavender (harvested before flowering), Swiss stone pine shavings, rose petals or a mix.

    Fill the sachet
  14. Step

    Close the last side

    After filling, close the last side of the sachet with a whip stitch.

    Close the last side
  15. Step

    Done: lavender sachets

    Your little lavender sachets are done — fragrant for your wardrobe or fabric stash.

    Done: lavender sachets

Instruction 2 / 4

Method 2: Sew a cathedral window by hand

A method for experienced hand-sewing fans. You need a base fabric of approx. 30 x 120 cm and several squares of 7.5 x 7.5 cm each for the windows.

  1. Step

    Cut the square and press the edges

    Cut a square of 28 x 28 cm (e.g. from flannel or woven cotton). Press all 4 sides over by 1.5 cm — ideally with a hot hemmer (pressing ruler).

    Cut the square and press the edges
  2. Step

    Fold the corners to the wrong side

    Fold all 4 corners over to the wrong side. The pressed creases should lie exactly on top of each other — the pressed corner meets the diagonal fold exactly.

    Fold the corners to the wrong side
  3. Step

    Make a mitred corner

    Fold the edges in from both sides to the wrong side of the fabric and pin them. (Reading tip: sewing mitred corners)

    Repeat this on all four sides — press the corners again, then all the edges are pinned.

    Make a mitred corner
  4. Step

    Fold the square in half

    Fold the square in half twice and press.

    Fold the square in half
  5. Step

    Fold the corners to the centre

    Fold the corners wrong sides together to the pressed centre and pin them. Press all edges well and remove the pins.

    Fold the corners to the centre
  6. Step

    Secure the points in the centre

    Fold the points of the triangles to the centre once more and stitch them down very close through all layers of fabric.

    Secure the points in the centre
  7. Step

    First square done — make several

    Make at least 4 of these blocks, then carry on.

    First square done — make several
  8. Step

    Join the squares

    Join two squares edge to edge, right sides together, with a whip stitch. Do this with all four squares.

    Join the squares
  9. Step

    Secure the corners

    Secure the corners of the triangles with a few stitches so the points are nicely shaped.

    Secure the corners
  10. Step

    Cut the windows

    For the windows, cut 4 squares measuring 7.5 x 7.5 cm.

    Cut the windows
  11. Step

    Insert the windows and sew the frames

    Place the four squares centred in the open fields of the windows, fold the edges of the squares inwards and sew the frames to the inner sides of the windows by hand.

    Insert the windows and sew the frames
  12. Step

    Continue frame by frame

    Work your way along frame by frame. Pin the window frames securely and shape them into nice curves.

    Continue frame by frame
  13. Step

    Finished block

    This is what the finished result looks like — the flannel is nice and thick and the whole thing looks really three-dimensional. You can use the finished piece as a pot holder/trivet or add more squares for a patchwork quilt or cushion cover.

    Finished block

Instruction 3 / 4

Method 3: Sew the famous Secret Garden

An extension of method 2: the background can be designed individually. At least 3 fabrics can be combined — the author's favourite version for using up fabric scraps.

  1. Step

    Repeat steps 1–9 of variation 2

    Repeat steps 1–9 of variation 2: cut the square, press the edges, fold the corners and fold them to the centre.

    Repeat steps 1–9 of variation 2
  2. Step

    Insert the background fabric

    Press the corners neatly to the centre. Cut a 12 x 12 cm square from a contrast fabric for the background and place it diagonally in your folded square. Pin it in place.

    Insert the background fabric
  3. Step

    Fold the corners over the square

    Fold the corners over the square to the centre.

    Fold the corners over the square
  4. Step

    Secure the points

    Secure the points through all layers in the centre with a few basting stitches (see steps 10–11 of variation 2).

    Secure the points
  5. Step

    Secure the corners

    Secure the corners as well (see step 16 of variation 2).

    Secure the corners
  6. Step

    Make 4 squares

    Make 4 squares to start with. You can always use the same fabric inside or use up fabric scraps.

    Make 4 squares
  7. Step

    Join the squares

    Join the 4 squares with a whip stitch (see steps 13–15 of variation 2).

    Join the squares
  8. Step

    Add windows with extra fabrics

    Cut squares with 7.5 cm sides. Pin them into the windows, wrong side to right side. Fold over the edges of the squares (the frames) and secure them with hand stitches.

    Add windows with extra fabrics
  9. Step

    Block done — buttons optional

    This is what the finished block looks like. To decorate it, you can sew on one or more buttons.

    Block done — buttons optional

Instruction 4 / 4

Method 4: Sew a cathedral window with the sewing machine

A method for sewing machine fans — faster, but not necessarily easier. A great option if you don't sew by hand or don't enjoy it.

  1. Step

    Cut and fold the square

    Cut a square measuring 26.5 x 26.5 cm from the fabric for the window frames. Fold it in half right sides together and press the edge.

    Cut and fold the square
  2. Step

    Stitch the sides

    Sew the sides with a straight stitch and 0.75 cm seam allowance. Backstitch at the ends of the seams.

    Stitch the sides
  3. Step

    Leave a turning gap

    Open your fabric piece and fold it so the open edges meet. Place the seam allowances on top of each other and pin if needed.

    Sew with 0.75 cm seam allowance and leave a turning gap of about 5 cm in the middle.

    Leave a turning gap
  4. Step

    Trim the seam allowances

    This is what it should look like now. Trim the seam allowances in the corners diagonally with scissors to just before the seam.

    Trim the seam allowances
  5. Step

    Turn and press

    Turn your square right side out, shape the corners neatly and press it flat. Make sure the seam allowances are pressed neatly to the inside too.

    Turn and press
  6. Step

    Fold the corners to the centre

    Fold the corners to the centre and press again.

    Fold the corners to the centre
  7. Step

    Pin the squares together and sew along the crease

    Pin the first two squares right sides together along the pressed creases — the creases should meet exactly. Sew along the crease with a straight stitch.

    Pin the squares together and sew along the crease
  8. Step

    Join the rows of squares

    You can then join two rows of squares with the sewing machine again. Now all 4 squares are joined together.

    Join the rows of squares
  9. Step

    Insert the background fabric

    Insert the 12 x 12 cm fabric pieces for the background.

    Insert the background fabric
  10. Step

    Secure the points

    Pin the corners and secure the points through all fabrics in the centre of the four squares with a few basting stitches (see steps 10–11 of variation 2).

    Secure the points
  11. Step

    Sew the windows to the frames

    Place the four 8 x 8 cm squares centred in the open fields of the windows and pin them. Fold the edges of the squares inwards in even curves and sew the frames to the inner sides of the windows by hand or machine.

    You can also sew small decorative buttons onto the intersections.

    Sew the windows to the frames
  12. Step

    Optional: turn it into a cushion

    Cut 2 fabric pieces to match the width of the finished cathedral window quilt, with 0.75 cm seam allowance. Press the edges over by 0.75 cm. On the wide side, press the fabric over twice and edgestitch it.

    Pin the fabric piece in place and sew it on by hand or machine so the pattern isn't cut off at the edges.

    Optional: turn it into a cushion
  13. Step

    Sew on the bottom fabric piece

    Pin the bottom fabric piece in place and sew it on. Your little cuddly cushion is done!

    Sew on the bottom fabric piece

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.