Years ago I made some sample squares using Cathedral Window (CW) using a method that was slightly different than the ways shown in most videos and tutorials. I'm wondering if I do it that way or if there's a reason it's not done more often.

Here's the method:
Instead of folding the Big square in half and seaming both sides etc., you press under a 1/4" all the way around the square. With the wrong side of the fabric facing up, fold square diagonally (wrong sides together) and press. Open and repeat for the other diagonal. Open the square up keeping the 1/4" hem. With wrong side facing up (right side facing down on ironing board), use the diagonals as guides and fold and press the 4 corners to the center. Do not open this smaller square up. Now fold and press the next 4 corners to the center again. Voila! you have the same square you'd get the more common way shown in most videos.

If this method works, I then wonder if you even need to press that 1/4" hem all the way around. Can anybody tell me if this 1/4" is needed to help keep the fabric from fraying with use and laundering?

Could you do a tutorial? I really work better with pic's and maybe others do too. 8-)

Yes..I also need a visual!! Thanks.

Seems your method is how I learned how to do the CW. I thought it was the traditional way of making the block from long ago.

Icon, Bobbie and any others - I will work on getting some pictures posted; just give me some time to figure it out ;-).
Sorry I didn't think of doing that before.

This is how my DM made her CW quilt over 30+ years ago. I think she still has the written directions from her quilting buddy(that has been gone almost this long).

Here are the pictures showing what I tried to describe earlier.

It ends up basically the same as sewn only it's not sewn. I plan to use this method next time I make one.

These are some pictures of what it looks like without turning up 1/4 inch at the beginning.

What I'm noticing is that if the square isn't perfectly "square" you don't get the nice crisp corners you will need to. Maybe by doing it the other way (folding in half and sewing the two ends, etc.) this takes care of that problem.
Any thoughts?

i like this would like to it finish block to get a better idea

http://hyena-in-petticoats.blogspot....-tutorial.html
This tutorial uses the method you speak of (with a few variations). I have used it, quilted my windows and there is no way any fabric is going to escape. (Unless my window fabric should fray.)

dsb - This method has the 1/4 inch turn up and press at the very beginning. I'm wondering if I could get away without this step.

I just read the tutorial by hyena in petticoats. It was so amazing. Great pictures and instructions. A great aid for anyone wanting to try this pattern.

you would have to be so super-careful at the corners not to let any threads fray that imo it would be faster to press in that .25" fold-over. at least for me it would be. if you decide to test it, let us know. if it works, it would be a great time-saver.

Can someone tell me where the curved parts come from?

No, I do not think it will work without turning the corner tips in so they are under your 1/4" iron down on the sides.
When you roll the edges of the square's sides the tip will pop out at you if it isn't secured under the side iron downs. Remember we are rolling the sides to the center and holding the side over the top of your 'window' fabric.
I have one on the machine now but I am using the sewing method rather than the ironing method. Eddie's tutorial: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-35742-1.htm
I really don't know if one method is faster or better than the other.
I am hoping to have enough fabric for a California King. I will need 780 squares. The first photo is the one on the machine now but I took the windows out. They were not speaking to me. I will know when I find just the right fabric.
The other is the test squares I made when I was learning the pattern. Both give you a good view of the tips and why they need to be secured under.

The curve is coming from the sides of the flaps that are shown in the last photo(s).

You're right. Since I hadn't actually stitched anything in those pictures I didn't see that. Which is why I posted on the site. So now I need to decide which method is quicker/better; Eddie's way as done on the tutorial or the pressing method I learned years ago.

BTW - your quilt looks good so far.

i think that turning up the corners is the important part. that's the part that's likely to make problems with loose threads. but if you have to turn up the corners anyway, what's the point of not turning in the .25" all the way around? also, i think that the double edge, after the pressing, gives it some substance that gets lost without it. i would still like to see one made this way, especially a close-up at the corners.