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How to sew a Cathedral Window Quilt Block into a Cushion Cover

Updated: Jan 22


Teal pillow with geometric patterns using the cathedral window quilt block on an armchair. Sunlight filters through blinds, casting patterns on the scene.


Create a gorgeous cushion cover using a quilting block that is suitably called a cathedral window. This tutorial will show you how to sew the quilting block into a cushion cover, but this technique can be used to make quilts and even bags. For this cushion, I’ve used the Mosaic Essentials Trend 5 fat quarter pack in the colour Teal from The Craft Cotton Company with a plain white cotton. It is best to use contrasting fabric to get the full effect of this patchwork design if you are using your own fabrics.


What you’ll need:

21 x 5” blue squares of fabric. I’ve used a fat quarter pack, so I have 4 of four of the designs and 5 of the other.

20 x 5” white squares of fabric

18” x 21” backing fabric

20” Zip

18” Cushion pad

Pins

Iron


Finished size: 18” square


use a ¼” seam allowance unless stated otherwise



1. Fold 4 white squares in half diagonally with wrong sides together and press.

Four white paper triangles on a light wooden surface, positioned randomly. Simple and minimalistic setting with no text.


2. Arrange 4 patterned squares in two rows of 2. Place the plain triangles over the inside corners of each patterned square with raw edges lined.

Four fabric triangles with turquoise and white patterns form a square on a wooden surface. The patterns are floral and geometric.


3. Sew the top two squares right sides together with the two white triangles sandwiched in the middle. Press the seams OPEN. Repeat with the bottom two squares.

Patchwork quilt block with white triangles forms an hourglass pattern. Background features a wooden surface. Teal fabrics have floral designs.



4. Sew these two strips right sides together and press the seam open.

Origami paper on wood surface, folded into an envelope shape. Blue and teal patterned paper with floral designs. Minimalist and artistic.


5. Place the final blue square centrally over the white triangles. Fold the edges of the white square over the raw edges of the central blue square and pin in place. Make sure to slightly stretch the white fabric over the blue enough to cover the raw edges of the square.

Geometric teal and blue patterns on a folded origami envelope, placed on a wooden surface. No text present.


6. Sew in place as close to the edge of the white fold as possible.

Patchwork quilt block with teal and blue fabrics featuring white geometric patterns, arranged on a wooden surface.


7. Repeat these steps three more times with the other squares to create 4 ‘window’ blocks.

Four quilt blocks with teal and dark blue geometric patterns on a wooden floor. Each block features a star-like design with white curves.


8. Arrange the window blocks into one large square. Press the final 4 white squares into triangles and place them in the centre of the square, lining up raw edges as before.

Blue and teal patterned quilt blocks with circular designs on a wooden floor, arranged symmetrically.


9. Sew the top two blocks right sides together then the bottom two. Press the seams open.

Teal and white quilt squares with curved patterns on a wooden floor. Features intricate geometric designs and contrasting colors.


10. Sew the two strips right sides together and press the seams open. Lay the final blue square over the centre of the white triangles.

Teal geometric quilt block with white borders on light wood floor. Features intricate patterns and curved shapes, creating a harmonious design.


11. Repeat steps 5 and 6 with the centre of the block.



12. To make the back of the cushion, cut the backing fabric in half widthways. Sew the zip in between the two pieces and top stitch along the bottom side of the zip.

Teal fabric with a grey zipper lies flat on a light wood floor. The simple composition highlights the contrasting colors and textures.


13. Fold the top piece of fabric over the zip, just enough to cover it and press. Sew in place hiding the zip in the stitches.

Teal folded square cushion cover on light wood floor, showcasing a smooth texture and subtle stitch lines.


14. With the zip open, trim away the ends. Hand sew the open end closed. Place right sides together to the cushion front and pin in place. Sew around all four sides and then trim the backing fabric to the same size as the cushion front.

A teal cloth bag with a gray zipper lies flat on a light wooden floor. The bag has a simple, minimalist design.


15. Snip the corners (careful not to cut through and stitches) and turn the cushion cover right side out. Insert the cushion pad and you’re done!

Teal and white geometric-patterned pillow using the cathedral window quilt block on a light wooden floor. The design features circles and floral motifs, creating a cozy vibe.

How it looks from the back -

A teal pillow on a light wood floor, showing a simple and relaxed home setting.

Teal geometric-patterned pillow on a beige armchair in bright sunlight, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in a living room.

Happy sewing!

Kym x


(Fabric commissioned for this project)


Do you have instagram? Follow me @whatkimberleymakes for more of my day to day sewing and 'behind the scenes' content. There is a short tutorial on my page making this cathedral window quilting block if you prefer to see it come together that way, here is the link -


You can also find more in depth sewing projects on my YouTube channel



1 Comment

n.piecuch
Jan 26

For years I was intimidated to make the cathedrals square then I tried your directions. Thankyou for such easy to follow directions and I love it!

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