You can practically see the sun glinting from the "Stained Glass Windows" of this seasonal wall hanging. Light, like the star of Bethlehem, has always symbolized faith, and religious stained glass artwork combines both imagery and light to bring forth the Christian message of hope. The angel at the top brings glad tidings while the Shepherds and Wise men follow the star to find the baby Jesus in Mary's arms. Peace on Earth reigns from on high in this quilted wall hanging.
Supplies & Materials:
Project Materials or Supplies
- 1 3/4 yards of dark fabric
- 1 yard of light fabric
- 1 yard of low-loft batting
- 1/2" dowel, 36" long
- 1 1/2 yards of narrow ribbon
The designs used in this tutorial include:
- X1967, Stained Glass Nativity Design Pack
- D1395, Peace on Earth
Working first with the yard of light fabric, divide it into four equal quadrants and embroider each design into the center of each quadrant. Make sure that the design is sewn so that the design lines up with the grain of the fabric, so that when it hangs, the fabric won't stretch.
Make a template for the "window" squares. It will be 11" by 11" square. Mark on it where you want the embroidery to land within the diagonal square. I marked mine so that the corners at the bottom of the embroidery will be 1 1/4" from the diagonal edge of the square.
Line up the embroidery with your template markings. Mark and cut out each diagonal square.
Square your dark fabric, and cut four strips of fabric that are 2 1/2" wide by 44"/45" long. They will be used as the strips between the "window panes" and along the bottom edges.
From the long strips, cut 2 strips that are 11" long and stitch one between the shepherds and the angel, and stitch the other between the nativity and the wise men. Use a 1/4" seam allowance.
Also from the long strips, cut one strip that is 24" long and stitch it between the 2 joined panels that you just made.
Cut 2 more strips, one that is 24" long and one that is 26 1/4" long. Stitch the 24" strip to one of the bottom edges, and then stitch the longer strip to the other bottom edge, making sure that the last strip meets the bottom edge of the shorter strip.
Cut a 19 3/4" square from the dark fabric, and then cut that in half diagonally.
Along the diagonal edge of your pieced squares, sew each triangle to the top edge of the squares. Match the point at the bottom and allow the top point to hang off the top a couple of inches. After you have stitched on the first triangle, trim off the over hang so that you can sew the second triangle on, making a straight top edge all the way across.
The triangles sewn at the top met perfectly! Place and sew out each Peace on Earth design in the triangles.
Cut out the backing from the dark fabric and a batting piece. Both should be the same size as the pieced front. Using the remaining cut strip, Attach one to the right side of the backing piece to create a rod pocket. The pocket should be 2" shorter than the width of the wall hanging.
Editor's note: if don't want the quilting lines to show through on the back of your banner, Layer the front and batting with an additional piece of fabric, and quilt as you wish. The additional piece of fabric will be covered by the backing piece when you proceed with the following steps.
Lay out the batting, with the backing on top of it, right side up. Place the pieced top over the backing with the right side down.
Using a 1/2" seam allowance, stitch around the perimeter of the wall hanging, leaving an
8" opening for turning.
Trim the seam allowances to eliminate bulk and turn the piece right side out.
Close the opening, and topstitch the edges of the wall hanging.
Hand or machine quilt as desired.
Insert a dowel rod into the rod pocket, and tie a ribbon or cord on each end to make a simple hanger.
