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How to Sew an Attic Window Quilt Block
The Attic Window quilt block creates a beautiful trompe-l’œil effect — the illusion of a window frame with a view through it. It’s a wonderful block for showcasing a special fabric as the “view.”
Materials:
- Fabric for the window frame
- Fabric for the background
- Fabric for the view (optional)
- Rotary cutter or scissors, cutting mat & ruler
- Sewing machine & thread
- Iron
Instructions:
- Cut four strips of window frame fabric. The width should be consistent, with length varying based on your desired block size.
- Cut a background square the same width as the strips.
- Place two strips on either side of the background square, right sides together. Pin and sew with a ¼" seam allowance. Press seams open.
- Place the remaining two strips on the top and bottom of the background square, right sides together. Pin and sew with a ¼" seam allowance. Press seams open.
- Iron the block flat and trim the edges to create a perfect square.
- Optional: Cut a view fabric slightly smaller than the background square. Pin it to the back of the background square, centered, and secure with a zigzag stitch around the edges.
- Iron the block flat — your Attic Window block is complete!
Repeat to make as many blocks as needed. Experiment with different fabric colors and prints to create unique window “views.”
Mitered Corners Technique
Mitered corners create neat, seamless 45° diagonal seams at the corners of your quilt — perfect for borders and the Attic Window block. Follow the step-by-step photo guide below:
How to Resize Quilt Blocks
The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the finished size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.
Important: Always remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½" squares, subtract the seam allowances (½"), double the finished block size (3" → 6"), then add the seam allowance back (½"). You'll end up cutting a 6½" piece of fabric.
Resizing Square Blocks
Add ½" to your desired finished block measurement. For a 4" finished square, cut a 4½" square of fabric.
Resizing Rectangular Blocks
Add ½" to both the length and width. To double a block that measures 3" × 4", cut a 6½" × 8½" rectangle of fabric.
Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks
Add ⅞" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut 4⅞" squares.
Resizing Quarter-Square Triangle Blocks
Add 1¼" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut your squares 5¼".
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