Cross Quilt Block Pattern Tutorial

Use this cross quilt block, 6 inch or 12 inch size, to make a religious cross quilt pattern in baby or bed sizes.

cross quilt block

Holy Cross Block

From time to time we all need to rely on faith. For some Christians the holy cross is a symbol of their faith. Now, you can make a quilt that speaks to that faith.

Cross Block Size Cutting Chart

When borders of the sizes stated in the cutting chart are added to the 6 inch block (6 1/2 unfinished) it becomes a 12 inch block (12 1/2 unfinished).

Cross Block Layout Diagrams

These block layout diagrams show how to layout the pieces cut from the above cutting chart.

Here's a layout diagram for the six-inch cross block. Make the six-inch block as instructed below. Then, add the borders for a 12 inch block. If you want only a 6 inch block leave off the borders shown below.

Here's a layout diagram for the 12 inch cross quilt block.

Cross Quilt Block Instructions

WOF= Width Of Fabric
Unless otherwise noted seams are 1/4 inch.
Refer to the Block Size Cutting Chart above for desired block size.

Step 1 Cut the block fabric pieces according to the above cutting chart for the block size you want to make. Then, layout the cross quilt block pieces in three rows. Here, I'm making the 12 inch size. The six-inch size is made in the same way up to adding the borders.

Step 2 With right sides together, stitch the units of each row together. Press seams toward the background fabric.

Step 3a With right sides together, stitch Row 2 to Row 1.

Step 3b Flip Row 2 right side up.

Step 3c With right sides together, stitch Row 3 to Row 2.

Step 3d Flip Row 3 right side up and your cross quilt block is finished! Press seams away from  Row 2 row.

Adding Borders to 6 Inch Cross Quilt Block

If you made the six-inch size cross quilt block and want to enlarge it to 12 inches, add the borders.

Step 4a First, add the short borders to the left and right sides of the block. Press the seams toward the border strips.

Step 4b Next, add the long borders to the top and bottom sides of the cross quilt block.
Press the seams toward the border strips.

Your 6 inch cross block has been turned into a 12 inch cross quilt block. The center cross seems to float on the background fabric. See the quilt pattern idea below to see how it would look in a quilt.

Cross Quilt Pattern Ideas

Here's how the 12 inch cross quilt block would look in a quilt. As placed, the cross blocks alternate with 12 inch plain squares. For the rest of the background you can use 12 inch plain squares or yardage.

The overall quilt is 76 x 88 inches, throw size. The quilt top without the borders measures 60 x 72 inches. It has 5 cross quilt blocks and 25 plain squares. Or, make a cross block for each member of the family and place randomly.

Inner Border: 2 inches wide, top and bottom 64 inches, sides 76 inches.
Middle Border: 1 inch wide, top and bottom 66 inches, sides 78 inches.
Outer Border: 5 inches wide, top and bottom 76 inches, sides 88 inches.

Cross Quilt Block Trilogy

Here's an idea for using the large 12 inch cross quilt block along with two small 6 inch cross blocks with added borders.

The overall quilt is 72 x 84 inches, throw size. The quilt top without the borders measures 60 x 72 inches. Inner Border: 1 inch wide, top and bottom 62 inches, sides 74 inches. Outer Border: 5 inches wide, top and bottom 72 inches, sides 84 inches.