Changing Seasons Attic Window Quilt
Learn how to frame a stunning fall scene inside of three-dimensional windows with the Changing Seasons Attic Window Quilt. This attic window quilt pattern demonstrates how to make a panel quilt even more stunning by cutting the panel into four segments and separating them with sashing. This technique creates a gorgeous optical illusion that quilters call an attic window quilt. Learning how to transform your favorite fabrics into a memorable fall scene will help you improve your quilting skills in a whole new way. Once you complete this pattern you’ll have learned how to make a panel quilt and will be able to design even more attic window quilt patterns for every season of the year!
Quilt Size: 38 inches wide x 38 inches long
Time to complete: Weekend project
Primary Technique: Pieced
Difficulty Level: Easy
Note: This pattern was designed using fabrics from the A Walk in the Fall collection from RJR Fabrics. Fabrics are coded in the materials list.
Do you actually know why the seasons change?
When we were young students, our science teachers explained to us why there is a change of seasons each year, but were we taught the correct reason? It’s a common misconception that the earth is closer to the sun during the summer and further away during the winter because the earth’s orbit is not a perfect circle around the sun. While it is true that the earth’s orbit is oblong and does not orbit the sun in a perfect circle, the seasons actually aren’t determined by Earth's distance from the sun. In fact, Earth’s perihelion, point closest to the sun, occurs in January during our winter season, and Earth’s aphelion, point furthest from the sun, occurs in July during our summer season. The true determining factor is Earth’s tilt about its axis and how much direct sunlight a particular region receives. In other words, the northern hemisphere is hot during the summer because it tilted toward the sun and receives direct sunlight.
Fabric Requirements and Cutting Instructions:
Quilting Instructions:
- Draw a diagonal line on back of five 3" squares of fabric 2. With right sides together place a 3" square of fabric 2 on top of a 3" square of fabric 3. Sew 1/4" on each side of drawn diagonal line. Cut apart on drawn line. Press seams open and trim square down to 2-1/4". Make nine.
- Sew a 2-1/4" X 6-3/8" piece of fabric 3 on left side of a block. Press.
- Sew a 2-1/4" half square triangle to a 2-1/4" X 6-3/8" piece of fabric 2. Press.
- Sew this piece to bottom of the square. Press. Make 9.
- Lay out nine blocks. Sew a 1-1/2" X 8-1/8" sashing strip of fabric 4 between first three blocks of each row.
- Sew a 1-1/2" strip of fabric 4 between each row. Press and trim. Sew a 1-1/2" strip of fabric 4 on top and bottom of quilt. Press and trim. Sew a 1-1/2" strip of fabric 4 to sides of quilt. Press and trim.
Border #1:
- Sew a 1-1/4" strip of fabric 5 to top and bottom of quilt. Press and trim. Sew a strip of fabric 5 to side of quilt. Press and trim.
Border #2:
- Sew a 5" strip of fabric 4 to top and bottom of quilt. Press and trim. Sew a strip to sides of quilt. Press and trim.
Quilting and Finishing:
- Layer, baste, and quilt: Bind with fabric 4.
Love Attic Window Quilts? Check out the Attic Window Snowman Pattern!
This adorable little snowy winter quilt pattern is ideal for your winter home. Whether you live through winter weather or just want some snowy motifs, this attic window quilt pattern is too charming to pass by. This pattern does require a fabric panel of a snowman, so be sure to keep an eye out for a fabric you love next time you're at the craft store.
Have you ever made an attic window quilt? Tell us about it in the comments below!