Windham Fabrics Revolutions - Downloadable PDF

Revolutions Quilt Pattern by Natalie Crabtree for Windham Fabrics

The Revolutions pattern is a free downloadable PDF quilt pattern designed by Natalie Crabtree and published by Windham Fabrics. This striking project produces a finished 72" x 72" quilt top — a generously sized square throw or lap quilt ideal for showcasing bold, graphic fabric collections. The pattern is rated intermediate difficulty, making it a rewarding challenge for quilters who have moved beyond basic patchwork and are ready to expand their skills.

Featured Fabric Collection

The Revolutions pattern was specifically designed to feature The Opposite, a fabric collection by Marcia Derse for Windham Fabrics. The fabric palette combines high-contrast tones, including an Optic White solid (SKU 35370S-1) alongside coordinating prints and solids from the collection. The design uses a structured color system organized by key fabrics labeled A through D, which include both dark and light variations to create the visual movement and depth central to the pattern's name.

Fabric Requirements and Cutting

• Fabric A — Optic White solid (SKU 35370S-1): requires 2¼ yards, cut into (12) 6½" x WOF strips, then Template A is used to cut 68 pieces
• Fabric B — Dark solid (SKU 51067-2): requires ⅞ yard, cut into (4) 6½" x WOF strips, then Template A is used to cut 24 pieces
• Fabric C — Light solid (SKU 51067-1): requires ⅝ yard, cut into (4) ½" x WOF strips, then Template B is used to cut 24 pieces
• Fabric D — Dark print (SKU 51070-2): requires ⅝ yard, cut into (3) 6½" x WOF strips using Template A

The pattern uses a template-based cutting system with at least two distinct templates — Template A and Template B — which are provided within the downloadable PDF. Careful labeling and organization of cut pieces by block assignment is strongly recommended in the pattern instructions, as this significantly streamlines the piecing process.

Techniques Used

The defining technique in Revolutions is curved piecing, which the pattern explicitly identifies as a required skill. Curved piecing is an intermediate-to-advanced quilting method in which fabric pieces with concave and convex edges are sewn together to create smooth, flowing arcs and circular shapes. Unlike straight-line patchwork, curved piecing requires careful pinning, clipping of seam allowances, and precise alignment to achieve clean, puckered-free seams. The result is the dynamic, swirling, rotational visual effect that gives this quilt its name — Revolutions.

Key Quilting Skills Involved

• Curved piecing — the primary and essential technique for constructing the blocks
• Template cutting — using provided paper or plastic templates (Template A and Template B) to accurately cut curved fabric shapes from standard WOF (width of fabric) strips
• Block organization and labeling — sorting and storing cut pieces by block assignment before piecing begins, as directed in the pattern notes
• Strip cutting — cutting fabric into 6½" x WOF and ½" x WOF strips as a first step before template cutting
• Quilt top assembly — joining completed blocks into a cohesive 72" x 72" quilt top

Materials and Tools

As a quilting pattern, Revolutions is worked in quilting cotton fabric rather than yarn or thread-based materials. Quilters will need a rotary cutter, cutting mat, and quilting ruler for strip cutting, along with printed or traced versions