Attic Window Formula?
04-15-2025, 03:35 AM
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 181
Attic Window Formula?
Is there a formula to create my own sized attic windows using RECTANGULAR approx 6x7 ish centers. I have some rectangular prints (from the zebra company patterns-they are called postage stamps) that I would like to use to make a small wall hanging. The patterns I have looked at all call for squares as the center. I am trying to find a nice way to use these blocks other than just making borders for them.
Thanks in advance.
Mary Ann
Thanks in advance.
Mary Ann
04-15-2025, 04:34 AM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Peoria, IL -- Midwest Transplant
Posts: 7,261
You can certainly make them rectangular. I took an actual postcard for the size of my travel quilt.
As far as formulas, I don't know... I go by graph paper and eye. My bars are kind of narrow for some folk and wide for others, but the look I was trying to get was the old scrap books with black pages.
As far as formulas, I don't know... I go by graph paper and eye. My bars are kind of narrow for some folk and wide for others, but the look I was trying to get was the old scrap books with black pages.
Last edited by Iceblossom; 04-15-2025 at 04:36 AM.
04-15-2025, 05:24 AM
#3
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Location: MN
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I second iceblossom's suggestion to take graph paper and draw what looks appealing to you.
In real life - many attic windows seem very small in comparison to the walls.
you could also cut strips of paper and lay them around your blocks to get an idea of proportion. Remember to add seam allowance
A lot of people do have design programs.
A lot of us still use graph paper.
Some pelple just lay fabrics out until they get an AHA moment.
A design wall - or bed - or floor - is also helpful.
When using a design wall - take pictures of each layout before changing it. Somehow a camera seems go see things our eyes and brains miss.
To answer your original question - I am not aware of a hard rule for proportions.
In real life - many attic windows seem very small in comparison to the walls.
you could also cut strips of paper and lay them around your blocks to get an idea of proportion. Remember to add seam allowance
A lot of people do have design programs.
A lot of us still use graph paper.
Some pelple just lay fabrics out until they get an AHA moment.
A design wall - or bed - or floor - is also helpful.
When using a design wall - take pictures of each layout before changing it. Somehow a camera seems go see things our eyes and brains miss.
To answer your original question - I am not aware of a hard rule for proportions.
04-15-2025, 06:08 AM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Peoria, IL -- Midwest Transplant
Posts: 7,261
Was thinking that you might also look into "shadow" effects, for a similar sort of separation of fabrics but which is often done quite thin.
Most of the time I think they are usually squares, but there are some rectangular based "window pane" quilts, or search on "quilting window from panel". Again, all sorts of dimensions/proportions depending on what people were doing.
Most of the time I think they are usually squares, but there are some rectangular based "window pane" quilts, or search on "quilting window from panel". Again, all sorts of dimensions/proportions depending on what people were doing.
04-15-2025, 07:37 AM
#5
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Location: Ontario, Canada
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Picking up on BearIsGray's suggestions
... some of us audition the fabrics, and the widths of the window frames
by actually sewing a block or two, to see if we like it ... or not!
And re-do it a time or two until we get what we like and want!
I usually do those with a longer stitch length,
so that it's easy enough to remove if I want to make changes.
Just be sure to remember to re-stitch them, once you get what you want.
Again, no formula ... it's all about what you like ... You Do You!
... some of us audition the fabrics, and the widths of the window frames
by actually sewing a block or two, to see if we like it ... or not!
And re-do it a time or two until we get what we like and want!
I usually do those with a longer stitch length,
so that it's easy enough to remove if I want to make changes.
Just be sure to remember to re-stitch them, once you get what you want.
Again, no formula ... it's all about what you like ... You Do You!
Last edited by QuiltE; 04-15-2025 at 07:40 AM.
04-15-2025, 07:42 AM
#6
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 18,340
Another thought ... I have seen attic windows, where the vertical and horizontal, were not the same width!
It gives a totally different effect, and I am sure that it works in some cases
... and would be a no-go for others!
It gives a totally different effect, and I am sure that it works in some cases
... and would be a no-go for others!
04-18-2025, 04:07 AM
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 275
M* has a video for Widows in the Attic ( YouTube). It uses rectangular squares. I made it watching the video. Check it out.
Windows in the Attic
and another by M*
Attic Windows
Windows in the Attic
and another by M*
Attic Windows
