Cathedral Window Cushion Tutorial ~ Free-Tutorial.net

This sumptuous cushion is made from ‘Cathedral Window’ patchwork, the technique where sewing meets origami. It first evolved in the 1930s, when it was also known as ‘Daisy Block’ or ‘Mock Orange Blossom’. The folded, petal-shaped frames provide a showcase for tiny fragments of fabric and some mid-twentieth century charm quilts consist of dozens of cotton prints, all different.

Cutting Instructions

From the lining fabric cut:
•  Six 26cm foundation squares
•  One 27 x 39.5cm rectangle for the back panel

Making the cushion

1 Start off by marking a cross on the foundation squares into quarters, as a guideline to help you fold accurately. Fold the side edges together and lightly press the centre crease.  Fig 1

2 Open out, then fold the top and bottom edges together and press the crease. Press a 5mm turning along each edge of the square. 

3 With the turnings facing upwards, fold each corner to the centre, so that the edges of the square lie against the guidelines. Press the diagonal folds in turn. Figs 2 and 3

4 Now fold the corner points in once again and press them in place.

5 Make a tiny cross stitch at the centre of the foundation square, through all the layers, to secure the folds and hold down the points. Fig 4

6 Pin the first two foundation squares together with right sides facing and oversew the top edges together. Join on a third square, then sew the remaining three squares together. Pin both along one long edge, with right sides facing, and oversew. 

Press the completed piece lightly from the wrong side. Fig 5

7 Pin one of the patches to each of the diamond spaces between the squares, making sure that the colours and patterns are balanced. Fig 6

8 Turn back and pin down the foundation squares so that they conceal the edges of the flowered patches and create shallow curves. Fig 7

9 Slip stitch down the folded edges through all the layers, using matching sewing thread. Fig 8

10 To fill in the triangular spaces around the edge, press the remaining patches diagonally in half.

Pin them into the gaps and oversew the folds to the outside edges of the foundation squares. Turn back and stitch down the diagonal folds as before to conceal the other two edges. Fig 9

11 Sew a button to the centre of each of the foundation squares. This not only looks decorative, but will conceal any imperfections in the stitching at the ends of the petals.

12 Make up the cushion by pressing under a 1cm turning all around the back panel. Check that it is the same size as the completed cushion front, adjusting the turnings if necessary, then pin the two together with wrong sides facing. Oversew two long and one short edges, insert the cushion pad, then pin and stitch the opening. 

HANDY HINT
if you enjoy this intriguing technique, why not go on to make an entire quilt? You won’t have to back or line the completed blocks so it will be quick to do, and because it’s all hand-stitched, your work will be very portable.

HANDY HINT
If you cannot find a 38 x 25cm cushion inner it is easy to make one. Cut two rectangles of fabric, each 40 x 27cm. Place them right sides together and sew around the edge using 1cm seam allowance. Stop sewing approximately 15cm before the point where you started and turn through the gap. Fill with toy stuffing and sew the gap closed.