Cathedral window quilts, with their stunning stained glass-like appearance, have been captivating quilters for generations. This unique technique, dating back to the 1800s, involves folding and layering fabric to create a dimensional effect that mimics the look of light shining through a stained glass window.
It might seem tricky initially, but don’t worry; many patterns are beginner-friendly and come with step-by-step instructions. Whether using scraps of fabric or carefully curated colors, cathedral window quilts offer a fun and rewarding challenge, resulting in a breathtakingly beautiful quilt that will become a treasured heirloom.
Free Cathedral Window Quilt Patterns – Top Picks
1. Free Quilt Pattern: Cathedral Window Quilt

Matt Spiers’ Cathedral Window Quilt Pattern, featured on Gathered.How, breathes new life into a classic design. This free pattern guides you through creating a stunning 54″ x 54″ quilt showcasing the vibrant Chicopee fabrics by Denyse Schmidt.
With its step-by-step instructions and helpful photos, you’ll master the unique “window” effect that sets this quilt apart. The intricate pattern is surprisingly achievable, perfect for quilters looking to expand their skills and create a truly unique heirloom piece.
2. Free Quilt Pattern: Upcycled Denim Rag Quilt

Learn how to transform old clothes into something new through upcycling with denim fabric. Shelly from Hangry Fork demonstrates how recycled fabric can create a charming rag quilt in her delightful quilt pattern. The frayed edges add a rustic touch, making it a perfect fit for any home.
Intermediate quilters will enjoy the chance to experiment with this unique project. The “I Spy ” feature makes the quilt a captivating piece that sparks curiosity and brings joy to everyone who sees it.
3. Free Quilt Pattern: Cathedral Stars Quilt

Bonnie K. Hunter of Quiltville shares her Cathedral Stars quilt pattern, a stunning design perfect for adorning your walls or bed. This free tutorial showcases an explosion of festive colors and shapes floating behind checkerboards.
With a finished quilt measuring 60 inches x 72 inches, this striking quilt offers a thrilling combination of diamonds, stars, and columns. While it may be a bit tedious to create, intermediate quilters with patience and passion will delight in making this stunning masterpiece.
4. Free Quilt Pattern: Cathedral Window Baby Playmat

A baby playmat is a great gift for new parents. Make one with the Cathedral Window Baby Playmat pattern by Amy Gibson of Stitchery Dickory Dock for Moda Fabrics.
The tutorial includes step-by-step photos to ensure that your project turns out as pictured. The finished size is 24 inches x 29 inches, so it’s big enough for cuddling and playtime!
5. Free Quilt Block Pattern: Cathedral Heart Quilt Block

With the Cathedral Heart Free Quilt Block Pattern, designed by Alicia of Sew What Alicia, you can create a quilt that symbolizes love and admiration. Use your favorite Charm Packs or 5″ Squares to add a touch of love to your quilting projects.
Celebrate the beauty of Cathedral Valentine blocks as you craft a heartwarming quilt that represents love and admiration.
6. Free Quilt Block Pattern: Cathedral Window Star Block

Find serenity when you look into the Cathedral Window Star block! This simple yet elegant piece is best recreated with Legacy by Pellon, 100% Natural Cotton or Soy/Cotton Blend.
Designed and sewn by Elizabeth Dackson herself, she forms a star by putting a cathedral window in the center and surrounding it with cathedral geese for the star points. Completing its look are sparkling brown flanged edges that bring life to the plain brown background.
7. Free Quilt Block Pattern: Woven Cathedral Window Block

Are you looking for something fun to weave this holiday? The Woven Cathedral Window block will make your quilting experience more exciting! Bree Wernimont used a dark, plain fabric for the background and two different fabrics for the strips.
This cathedral window quilt block pattern resembles a basket weave, a great addition to a summer-themed quilt. With its vibrant two-toned palette, boldly cut strips, and playful pattern, you will surely enjoy it!
8. Free Quilt Pattern: Tiled Blooms

Here’s another playful Cathedral Windows quilt pattern you wouldn’t want to miss! Tiled Blooms by Corey is a lovely piece that looks like a simple yet sweet garden of tulips. Thin green stripes run across a crisp, white background.
As they intersect each other, festive floral petals surround the point where they meet, creating a subtle explosion of beauty. The fabrics used on this quilt came from the Up Parasol fabric collection by Heather Bailey. Recreate it as a beginner and make your room prettier!
9. Free Quilt Block Pattern: Wonky Shattered Glass Window

Kim Niedzwiecki designed this piece to mimic the iridescent beauty of stained glass. The pool of soft colors swirling inside the pattern balanced the sharpness of the spiky edges.
The jet-black background accentuated the shapes as the parade of printed strips sealed the overall look. If spikes and fun prints excite you, Wonky Shattered Glass Window will serve you a look that will thrill you throughout the day!
10. Free Quilt Pattern: Pieced Cathedral Windows

Gracey Larson of Burlap and Blossom Patterns infuses the intricate beauty of Cathedral Window quilt with the classic look of a traditional quilting technique. The Pieced Cathedral Window is a sweet epitome of symmetry.
Cathedral window blocks are carefully arranged in diagonal lines. The fun prints from Strawberry Honey by Gracey Larson gave life to the plain white background as they seemed to twinkle from afar. It would look cute as a pillow case but feel free to resize it however you want! Finished Quilt Measures: 60 inches x 72 inches
11. Free Quilt Block Pattern: Layered Cathedral Window Block

Sara Lawson proves herself as a master of quilting as she designed a seemingly intricate pattern that is actually made for beginners! The Layered Cathedral Window block is a world of adventure.
Fabrics from Tula Pink: The Birds and the Bees, are cut into triangles and sewn together into layers and layers of jungle-inspired beauty. It may look complicated because of the random combination of prints but recreating it is easier than you think!
12. Free Quilt Block Pattern: Color Burst Cathedral Window Block

Jessica Lynn Skibicki designed this piece for beginners who are looking for a bright and fun nine-patch block pattern for their quilt. The assembly starts by arranging honeycomb-printed squares to form a larger square.
Then, a triangle cut out is placed on top of each corner block. The centerpiece is graced with two triangles, leaving a thin space in between them. Keep yourself busy with the buzzin’ beauty of the Color Burst Cathedral Window Quilt!
13. Free Quilt Block Pattern: Mod ‘Cathedral Window’ Block

Heather Jones designed this block for beginners who have knowledge of raw edge applique and fusible webbing technique. It looks simple and easy to recreate from a distance but the irregularity of the shapes gives the Cathedral Window quilt block an interesting twist.
The seemingly warped piece is stacked on top of each other to create an illusion. Plain and prints are alternated to spice up the look. Don’t you think it’s a great addition to your quilt?
14. Free Quilt Block Pattern: Modern Cathedral Window Block

If you can’t get enough of the previous pattern, here’s a festive version of the Modern Cathedral Window Block. Designed by Jill Dorsey herself, this intermediate piece recreates the classic look of the Cathedral Window with more daring and louder fabric prints.
Its color palette will remind you of the golden Fall season. Feel free to experiment with your prints, though! Don’t you wanna have this at home?
15. Free Quilt Pattern: Denim Circle Pillow

Do you have worn-out denim pants or jackets that you no longer want to wear? Let’s turn that into a cute pillowcase! Reinvent coziness by sewing the softness of the pure cotton fabric and the bluish touch of denim together in a cathedral window block.
Arrange them in diagonal lines until you find yourself owning a chic and stylish quilt piece. Whichever skill set you have, you’ll enjoy quilting this denim cathedral window quilt pattern!
16. Free Quilt Block Pattern: Orange Windows

Are you looking for a cute block to decorate your quilt with? Orange Windows is perfect for you! It is a combination of orange peel block and faux Cathedral Windows block.
This piece uses the raw edge applique technique to put scrappy fabrics together on a plain white background. Don’t overthink which fabric to use on each petal! Feel free to mix and match colors and prints, and you’ll still fall in love with the beauty of the piece.
17. Free Quilt Pattern: Winter Seeds Table Topper

Winter Seeds Table Topper is a one-of-a-kind quilting piece by Julie Cefalu of the Crafty Quilter that you should consider recreating for a holiday! Its starry shape is a refreshing twist that will make your guests wonder where you got the quilt.
With pumpkin seed blocks creating cathedral windows and flowers as they arrange themselves in diagonal lines, the pattern inside will leave you in awe. The fabric used in the background also has dainty details for you to adore. Indeed, it’s a stunning piece to have!
18. Free Quilt Pattern: Vitral

Explore the endless possibilities of color and design with Vitral, a free quilt pattern by Art Gallery Fabrics. Infused with the Tallin fabric collection by Jessica Swift, this mesmerizing quilt measures 60 inches x 60 inches.
The pattern offers easy-to-follow instructions, accompanied by detailed photos and diagrams, allowing you to create a magnificent quilt that exudes beauty and artistry.
19. Free Quilt Pattern: Mini Cathedral Windows Quilt

Kirsty of Bonjour Quilts invites you to embark on a quilting journey with the Mini Cathedral Windows Quilt, free pattern available at BonjourQuilts.com. Featuring Anna Maria Horner’s Good Folks fabric collection, this charming quilt showcases expert color coordination with different hues in each petal.
Finished at 16 by 16 inches, it’s perfect for quilters seeking a smaller project. Ideal for experienced quilters seeking a creative challenge, this mini Cathedral Windows quilt offers a rewarding and captivating quilting experience.
20. Free Quilt Pattern: Easy Cathedral Window Quilt

Katherine of Windy Ridge Designs’ Easy Cathedral Window Quilt is a free pattern that will guide you through the process of creating stunning Cathedral Windows.
With step-by-step instructions, helpful pictures, and a user-friendly tutorial, you can create a mesmerizing quilt that will add elegance to any space.
BONUS Cathedral Window Quilt Patterns For Sale from Online Shops
Have you thought about what legacy you want to leave this Christmas? Don’t just think about it, go quilt it with this festive piece! A Christmas Legacy Quilt embodies the essence of Christmas with its red, green, and white palette, cathedral window blocks, and poinsettia-printed fabrics.
Its generous size is enough to keep you warm during the winter season. It’s best recreated as an intermediate quilter, but if you’re a beginner who’s confident with their skills already, feel free to explore this pattern!
You will fall in love with the Cathedral Window Quilt and Pillow because of its pretty and stylish pattern! This stunning piece features cathedral windows in dainty prints.
Thin line borders traced their shape to elevate their look and surround them to seemingly keep them in a bubble. It looks intricate to recreate, but if you’re an intermediate quilter, it’s a piece of cake!
3. Modern Windows Quilt Pattern (PDF Downloadable Pattern For Sale)

Are you looking for an origami-inspired pattern for your next quilting project? You would love to recreate the Modern Windows Quilt! This classic beauty features a refreshing look of cathedral windows peeking on a white background like flowers waiting to bloom in early springtime.
The technique used won’t require batting or binding, that’s why it’s less cuddly than a quilt. But if you’re going to use it as a surface cover or a wall decoration, you will surely appreciate it.
4. Winsome Windows Quilt Pattern (PDF Download Pattern For Sale)

Create a stunning cathedral window quilt without the hassle of traditional methods! The Winsome Windows Quilt Pattern offers a simplified, faster approach to this classic design, making it perfect for quilters of all levels.
With three sizes available (Baby, Lap, and Large Throw), this pattern caters to your needs and works with strips, charm squares, layer cakes, or yardage, making it a great stash buster. Belle of Seams Sew Me Shop has created a versatile pattern that allows you to showcase your favorite fabrics and create a unique heirloom quilt in no time.
5. Cathedral Window Pillow Quilt Pattern (Download Pattern For Sale)

Elevate your home decor with the timeless elegance of Lisa Cox’s Cathedral Window Pillow quilt pattern. This stunning design, measuring 21 inches square, features a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow created by folded fabric squares.
While perfect for intermediate quilters seeking a challenge, the pattern includes detailed instructions and helpful tips to guide you through the process. Showcase your favorite fabrics in this captivating pattern, and add a touch of vintage charm and sophistication to your living space.
Create a stunning masterpiece with the Blossom Window Quilt Pattern. This advanced foundation paper piecing pattern features a mesmerizing display of geometric blossoms, intricate details, and precise points that will challenge and reward your quilting skills. Available in two sizes (54″ x 54″ and 78″ x 78″), this quilt is sure to become a cherished heirloom.
Choose from a traditional or modern color palette to bring your vision to life. The Blossom Window pattern, designed by Jitka Clement, is an opportunity to create an actual work of art that will be admired for years to come.
This Petal Pop Pillow Quilt Pattern is a festive and fun twist on the classic Cathedral Windows design. Measuring 12″ x 12″, this pillow pattern features overlapping petals that create a dimensional effect reminiscent of poinsettias or Christmas stars. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your home during the holidays or add a touch of whimsy to any room year-round, the Petal Pop Pillow Quilt Pattern is the perfect choice.
You can choose your favorite festive fabrics or showcase your favorite scraps to create a stunning accent piece. Designed by Kristen Clay, this pattern is a must-have for any quilter looking for a unique and rewarding project.
Here Are More Cathedral Window Quilt Ideas For Inspiration

Quilting progress! Kind of on a roll with this cathedral window beauty. Hand stitching is my therapy.

Obsessed with this @artgalleryfabrics Cosmos print! It’s the perfect match for these sharp star blocks. This new quilt pattern has been brewing for a while, and I’m so excited to finally be making it happen!

This Cathedral Window Quilt is bursting with personality! Laurie’s brilliant idea to add #TulaPink animals in each window is pure genius!

Faux Cathedral Window quilt with a twist! This version features a mesmerizing diamond secondary pattern. It’s surprisingly easy to create and looks absolutely stunning.

Slowly but surely, this Cathedral Windows quilt is nearing completion. Each stitch brings me closer to the finish line. Just 7 more windows to go!

Slowly but surely, my little cathedral window pillow is coming to life! Love seeing these pretty fabrics take shape.

Fall in love with this charming Cathedral Window cushion!

Can’t help but smile at these cheerful colors! Perfect for adding a playful touch to a little one’s room.

This little Cathedral Window beauty is begging to be bigger…or maybe a super cute pillow? Help me choose!

Remember this Liberty Fabrics Summer House Cathedral Window quilt? It’s grown! Now 22″ square with vintage linen details, it’s heading to QuiltCon 2020 to showcase the beauty of Morris textiles fabrics. Can’t wait to see it on display!
Cathedral window quilts, with their timeless elegance and intricate beauty, are a testament to the artistry and creativity of quilting. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, these patterns offer a unique challenge and a rewarding experience.
Don’t be intimidated by the folded squares – with patience and practice, you’ll soon be creating stunning quilts that will be treasured for years. So grab your fabric, embrace the tradition, and let the light shine through your beautiful cathedral windows!
