MarionsQuilts

Hello everyone!

I just recently did a wall hanging of cathedral windows (which I will be swapping in February! here's the link: http://www.quiltingboard.com/member-...ml#post7734890

This is the method that I used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akKU0zg-qaw

I'm starting on another one, and have already cut all my squares, and folded my triangles. However, I just came across a tutorial of a different method - 4 squares and then a big square that you sew together. If you've done CW, you know what I am talking about.

Which one would be less bulky? I'm finding the one that I have done (and have already prepped for the next one) to be simple enough, but definitely bulky.

Also - I've noticed that people say you don't put batting or backing? Wouldn't that be kind of messy in the back? LOL ... The one I made for the swap, I used batting and backing ...

Any tips would be awesome!

Thanks so much,

Marion

Prism99

I looked at the method you posted, and it is a completely non-traditional way of making a cathedral window quilt. That's why you need batting and a backing for it, to hide the piecing.

I'm not sure what the 4 square method is, but it sounds to me like the traditional way of making the blocks. Traditionally the blocks were made by hand, but there are ways to incorporate machine sewing in them too.

Here is a link to a tutorial on the QB that explains in detail a relatively fast, machine sewn way to make cathedral window:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...al-t35742.html

Because of the folding, any of the traditional methods (whether done by hand or machine) will result in a finished back. All of the fabric folding creates layers of fabric in the quilt, so it is quite heavy even though there is no batting or backing.

MarionsQuilts

Thanks Prism99 - I looked at that tutorial, and was very confused LOL ... I was happy to see how many people found it easy, but alas, I was not one of them!

MarionsQuilts

This is what I have done so far ...

[ATTACH=CONFIG]565201[/ATTACH]

And here is the back

[ATTACH=CONFIG]565202[/ATTACH]

Not sure if you can see just how bulky it is.

Also, I'm finding that this way I am not always able to line my points up perfectly, no matter how hard I try.

MarionsQuilts

So, five hours later, this is what I have done ... and once again, the points just don't line up, no matter what I do ... [ATTACH=CONFIG]565203[/ATTACH]

Prism99

I think the problem with your points comes from when you sew the squares together (uppermost two photos). You need to be more accurate at that step. When matching seams is critical like this, I use Elmer's washable school glue instead of pins. I take the squares to the ironing board, match up the seams, then use a straight pin straight up and down to go through both seams at the 1/4" mark, into the ironing board cover. Once the seams are pinned like this, I take the Elmer's glue and place a tiny dot between the seams at each intersection. The glue is inside the seam allowance. Then I use a hot iron to press each seam, which dries the glue, making it act like a "virtual pin". I remove the straight pins before going back to the sewing machine. This is more accurate for me than using pins on the seams.

Oh, and when I need extreme accuracy, such as in this situation, I press all the seams open. I don't try to "nest".

Jane Quilter

looks like an easier way....I would want smaller blocks

Kitsie

I've used the youtube one by MSQC and had great success with it!

ckcowl

I pretty much use Eddie's method except I stitch them by hand, not machine. No backing/ batting....the blocks are finished with nice backs when constructed.

MarionsQuilts

So I tried two other methods - and I don't like them LOL ... too much folding and gluing ... big pain!

And I really like the method I am using, so I found a solution to the bulk! Once I have four squares sewn together, I sew a zigzag stitch up both ways ... The white square (on my quilt) will be hidden by the fabric, so no one will see the stitches LOL and it really flattens in out!

Thanks so much for the tips!