Windham Fabrics Geode - Downloadable PDF

Geode Quilt Pattern by Natalie Crabtree for Windham Fabrics

The Geode is a striking 48" x 48" quilt designed by Natalie Crabtree and published by Windham Fabrics as a free downloadable PDF pattern. Featuring the Curio fabric collection by Betsy Olmsted, this intermediate-level quilting project produces a visually dramatic quilt top inspired by the natural cross-section of a geode, with its characteristic radiating, crystalline shapes. The finished square format makes it an ideal wall hanging, lap quilt, or decorative throw.

Project Overview

This pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it well-suited for quilters who are comfortable with precise cutting and basic block construction and are ready to expand their skills into more advanced techniques. The design relies on careful organization of cut pieces and methodical piecing to achieve its bold, geometric effect. Quilters are strongly encouraged to read the entire pattern before beginning and to check windhamfabrics.com for any pattern updates prior to starting their project.

Techniques Used

Paper Piecing

A central technique in the Geode pattern is foundation paper piecing (FPP), a method in which fabric pieces are sewn directly onto a printed paper foundation in a specific sequence. Paper piecing allows quilters to achieve sharp points, precise angles, and complex geometric shapes that would be very difficult to accomplish with traditional piecing alone. A dedicated set of paper piecing instructions is included within the pattern itself. For quilters new to this technique, Windham Fabrics recommends consulting additional quilting tutorials and resources online to build confidence before beginning.

Precise Cutting and Piece Organization

The pattern places strong emphasis on careful cutting and labeling of all fabric pieces before sewing begins. Each cut piece must be marked and stored according to the specific block it has been assigned to. This organizational step is described in the pattern as very important, as the Geode design involves multiple block types that use similarly sized pieces — keeping them sorted prevents costly mistakes during assembly. This kind of disciplined pre-cutting workflow is a hallmark of more advanced quilt construction.

Strip Cutting and Subcutting

The cutting instructions follow a standard quilting workflow of cutting width-of-fabric (WOF) strips first, then subcutting those strips into the specific rectangles and shapes needed for each block. For example, the pattern calls for cutting 5" x WOF strips from the Optic White fabric (SKU 35370S-1), which are then subcut into 5" x 6-1/2" rectangles for use in specific block positions.

Fabrics and Materials

Featured Fabric Collection

The Geode pattern is designed to showcase the Curio collection by Betsy Olmsted, available through Windham Fabrics. The pattern's color palette and visual impact are built around the specific prints and colorways within this collection. As noted in the pattern, fabric may vary from the digital representation of the quilt top shown, so quilters should expect some natural variation in the final appearance depending on their specific fabric cuts and placement.

Key Fabrics Referenced

• Optic White (SKU 35370S-1) — a black and white fabric used extensively throughout the design, cut into multiple 5" x WOF strips and subcut into 5" x 6-1/2" rectangles
• Additional fabrics from the Curio by Betsy Olmsted collection are featured throughout the block construction

Quilting Tools and Supplies

As with all quilting projects of this type, quilters will need standard quilting supplies including a rotary cutter, quilting ruler, and self-healing cutting mat for accurate strip and subcut work. A sewing machine is essential for both the paper piecing sections and the general block assembly. Paper piecing foundation sheets (included in the PDF) will need to be printed prior to beginning that portion of the construction. Accurate 1/4" seam allowances are standard for this type of quilt pattern.

Pattern Format and Availability

The Geode pattern by Natalie Crabtree is available as a free downloadable PDF