From our Free Quilt Block Patterns Library
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The Red Cross quilt block is constructed with basic quilting techniques. A sweet design for a beginning quilter.
Simple. Quick.
Just squares and rectangles to stitch. No bias to mess around with!
In this tutorial you'll find:
It's time to cut up and sew!
Several abbreviations are used on this page. They are:
1/4" SA are used through this tutorial.
When instructed to press, first press the patches in the closed position just as they came off your sewing machine. This sets the seam, melding the fiber in the threads into the fiber of the fabric.
Then press the SA to the dark unless otherwise noted.
Pressing instructions are highlighted in yellow throughout this tutorial to make them easy to find.
Sample Block Size:
Grid: 5x5
Please label your patches. We refer to their numbers throughout this tutorial.
To print a copy of just the block design and the cutting chart (below) to use at your cutting table, click here.
NOTE: I've starched all my fabrics before cutting with a 50/50 mix of Sta Flo concentrated liquid starch and water.
Learn how to starch your fabrics here.
![]() | Cutting Chart for a~ Traditional Piecing ~ | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patch | Fabric | Qty | Finished Block Size | ||||
5'' | 7 1/2'' | 10'' | 15'' | ||||
1 | BAC | 4 | 1½'' x 1½'' | 2'' x 2'' | 2½'' x 2½'' | 3½'' x 3½'' | |
2 | A | 6 | 1½'' x 1½'' | 2'' x 2'' | 2½'' x 2½'' | 3½'' x 3½'' | |
3 | A | 1 | 1½'' x 3½'' | 2'' x 5'' | 2½'' x 6½'' | 3½'' x 9½'' | |
4 | BAC | 4 | 1½'' x 3½'' | 2'' x 5'' | 2½'' x 6½'' | 3½'' x 9½'' | |
Unfinished Block Size | 5 1/2'' | 8'' | 10 1/2'' | 15 1/2'' | |||
Grid Size | 1'' | 1 1/2'' | 2'' | 3'' |
These are some of my favorite tools and supplies for preparing and cutting fabric.
Center
Make 1
With RST, stitch a #1 to two opposite sides of a #2.
Seam allowances can be pressed open or towards the dark, the choice is up to you. None of the seams in this center unit nest with any other.
Sweet and simple!
For this sample block I've chosen to press towards the darker 'A' fabric (#2 patch).
With RST stitch a #1/#2/#1 unit to each long side of the center #3.
Press towards the #3 patch to reduce any bulk.
Your center is complete.
Block Measurement at this Point | |
---|---|
Finished Block Size | Edge-to-Edge Measurement |
5" | 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" |
7-1/2" | 5" x 5" |
10" | 6-1/2" x 6-1/2" |
15" | 9-1/2" x 9-1/2" |
Sides
Make 2
Construct just 2 of this unit.
With RST sew a #2 to both short sides of a #4.
Press SAs toward #4 to help the seams nest as the units are added to the center.
Arrange the center, sides and remaining two #4's to create the Red Cross design.
Add a #4 rectangle to two opposite sides of the center. Stitch.
Press the SA toward #4 to reduce bulk.
Add the #2/#4/#2 pieced sides as shown below. The SA nest at the corners.
Press this last pair of seams away from the center.
A simple block.
So what do Red Cross blocks look like set into a quilt?
To separate the blocks, a simple sashing strip in white and a red cornerstone are added. (The center of the 9-patch that's formed is the cornerstone.) The only thing to match in the construction of this quilt are at the corners of the sashing.
The blocks are laid out in a straight set, 5 across and 7 down.
What will you make with your Red Cross blocks?
Return to the Free Quilt Block Pattern Library for more blocks to make.
If you use our tutorials to make your blocks and quilts, there are some easy ways to share your creations so other quilters (including me!) can enjoy the fruits of your labor:
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For you, are quilt block patterns like potato chips...
...you can't have just one?!!
Check the amazing resources I rely on for the majority of the quilt block designs you see on this website.
To see if they're worthy of spot in YOUR quilting library, read about them HERE.
Remembering a Christmas fabric you liked, but can't remember where?
I've put all the Christmas fabrics displayed on this site in December on one page.
Click any image or link for more info
Lots of Christmas patterns were posted on this site in December.
Click here to see every Christmas pattern shared on one page.