Attic Window Quilt Block Pattern

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An attic window quilt block is a design that creates the illusion of a window frame with a view through the window. Here are the steps to sew an attic window quilt block:

Materials you will need:

• Fabric for the window frame
• Fabric for the background
• Fabric for the view (optional)
• Rotary cutter or scissors
• Cutting mat
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Iron

Instructions:

1. Cut out four strips of fabric for the window frame. The width of the strips should be the same, but the length can vary depending on the desired size of the block.

2. Cut out a square of fabric for the background. The size of the square should be the same width as the strips.

3. Place two strips of fabric on either side of the background square, right sides facing in. Pin in place.

4. Sew along the pinned edges with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Press the seams open.

5. Place the other two strips of fabric on the top and bottom of the background square, right sides facing in. Pin in place.

6. Sew along the pinned edges with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Press the seams open.

7. Iron the block flat, and trim the edges to create a square block.

8. If desired, cut out a piece of fabric for the view. The size of the fabric should be slightly smaller than the background square.

9. Pin the view fabric to the back of the background square, making sure it is centered.

10. Sew around the edges of the view fabric with a zigzag stitch to secure it in place.

11. Iron the block flat, and your attic window quilt block is complete!

Repeat these steps to make as many blocks as you need for your quilt. You can also experiment with different fabric colors and patterns to create unique and interesting variations of the attic window block.

How to Resize Quilt Blocks:

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the size of your finished quilt block. You can come to a decision based on a number of factors: doubling a pattern, cutting your pattern in half, or choosing the size based on your available fabric.

NOTE: When working from a pattern’s cutting instructions, make sure you remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For instance, if your pattern calls for 3-1/2″ squares, first you’ll subtract the sum of the seam allowances (1/2″), double the finished block size (from 3″ to 6″), and add the seam allowance back in (1/2″). So, when all is said and done, you will cut a 6-1/2″ piece of fabric.

Resizing Square Blocks:

Square blocks are the easiest to resize. Simply add to your finished block measurement. For example, if you’d like your finished block to be a 4″ square, you’ll need to cut a 4-1/2″ square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks:

Similarly to the square, for rectangle blocks, you’ll add to the length and width measurements of your finished block. If you’re doubling block that measures 3″ x 4″ in your quilt, you’ll cut a 6-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ rectangle of fabric.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks:

When you want to change the size of a Half-Square Triangle block, add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. To make a 4″ finished block, you’d cut 4-7/8″ squares.

Resizing Quarter Square Triangle:

Since there are two cut lines and two seam lines in a Quarter-Square Triangle block you’ll need to add 1-1/4″ to the desired finished block size. For a finished block that’s 4″, you’d cut your squares 5-1/4″.