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Cross Stitch Block Tutorial // Slice & Insert Method

This post is part of the Technique Tutorial Tuesdays Series. Click here to see all of the posts and learn more about the series. Scroll down for tutorial instructions.

Back in 2012 I posted the Cross-Stitched Quilt Block tutorial, which I was inspired to post after I made a Cross Stitch Heart Quilt.

Since then I have seen some really amazing quilts pop up on Flickr and Instagram using the tutorial.

This one I shared with you all a few weeks ago, the Mr. Fox quilt by Samantha Davis.

Screen Shot 2014-02-17 at 12.03.54 PM

A very special gift wall quilt by LethargicLass (Katy)

Cross My Heart Mini by The Hohnstreiter Ohana

The New Tutorial

I want to share with you a quick and easy way to make the Cross Stitch Block in multiple sizes. My original tutorial uses more of a basic piecing method, this new tutorial is much faster and uses a slice-and-insert method. The instructions for this method require the blocks be made slighter larger and trimmed down to keep everything as accurate as possible. Be sure to use a scant 1/4" seam allowance!

The Sizes

This block could be made in a ton of sizes, but here are the measurements for 10 different sizes.

cross-stitch-block-sizes

The Instructions

steps1-2
  • Step 1: Cut out one square of the background fabric and two cross strips per the size chart above.
  • Step 2: Cut the square in half diagonally, creating two half square triangles.
steps3-4  
  • Step 3: Fold each half square triangle in half and finger press the center to leave a crease. Do the same with one of the cross strips.
  • Step 4: Line the center of the strip up with the center of the half square triangle and pin in place. Stitch them together with a perfect scant ¼” seam. Press the seam towards the cross strip.
steps5-6
  • Step 5: Line the center of the remaining half square triangle up with the center of the pieced strip and pin it in place. Stitch them together with a perfect scant ¼” seam. Press the seam towards the cross strip.
  • Step 6: Cut the block in half diagonally again, at the other angle, creating two half square triangles.
steps7-8
  • Step 7: Fold one half square triangle in half and finger press the center to leave a crease. Do the same with the remaining cross strip.
  • Step 8: Line the center of the strip up with the center of the half square triangle and pin in place. Stitch them together with a perfect scant ¼” seam. Press the seam towards the cross strip.
steps9-10  
  • Step 9: Fold the remaining half square triangle in half and finger press the center to leave a crease.
  • Step 10: Line the center of the strip up with the center of the half square triangle. Make sure the two cross strips come together to create a perfect cross line.
steps11-12
  • Step 11: This is a great time to glue baste. Use washable school glue within the seam allowance, line the half square triangle up with the strip and heat set the glue. Then before you sew, you can open the block to make sure everything lines up (in smaller circle).
  • Step 12: Stitch them together with a perfect scant ¼” seam. Press the seam towards the cross strip.
steps13-14
  • Step 13: Center the block under a ruler and trim it to your desired size. Example: If you are trimming the block to 3", line up the 1 1/2" mark of your ruler with the center of your block. Repeat when you trim all sides. Tip: If the ruler wants to spin and wiggle when you try to cut, try putting a few pieces of masking tape on your ruler to act as a grip. You could also use a larger ruler that will apply more weight to the block.
  • Step 14: Success! You now have a super cute Cross Stitch Block!
steps-final  

#crossstitchblockalong

This simple X block isn’t anything new or groundbreaking it’s just a classic quilt block, but the quilt design possibilities are endless! Because of the amazing versatility of the block I think it would make a super fun Instagram quilt along. So to all you quilters who love the look of Cross Stitching, but not the handwork, get out your rotary cutters and fabric, it’s time to “Cross Stitch” along! crossstitchinstagramad This is a relaxed Instagram + Flickr based sew along with no deadlines, just sewing, sharing, and possibly a few giveaways thrown in for good measure! Just be sure to tag all photos with #crossstitchblockalong.

Alyssa

Alyssa Williams

Alyssa Williams

Creator of Pile O' Fabric

Alyssa Lichner is a graphic designer turned avid sewist. She writes modern quilting tutorials and shares techniques and inspiration on her blog, Pile O’ Fabric. Alyssa has a passion for exploring different techniques and applying them to modern designs. She is thankful to have the opportunity to share these techniques, through her tutorials, patterns, and classes with quilters around the world. She always encourages her readers and students to challenge themselves to try new things and to approach quilting with a fearless attitude.

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