Traditional Tuesday - Block 26

Cross

Block 26 - Cross

If you like perfect symmetry, then this block is for you! I like this block a lot, but don't use it all that often. It reminds me of my Dear Jane days when I made all those little 4 1/2" blocks. (I said I made the blocks, I didn't say I finished the quilt!) I think you could experiment with different colors in the corners to get a scrappy look or have the same colors in opposite corners to get a chain effect. Anything goes, really!

I chose 4 fabrics, two pinks and two greens (including one of Barbara Brackman's Old-Fashioned Calicoes).

Cutting:

• From the dark green, cut 4 - 2 3/4" squares
• From the light green, cut 4 - 1" x 2 3/4" rectangles
• From one of the pinks, cut 8 - 1" x 2 3/4" rectangles
• From the other pink, cut 1 - 2" square

Looks like Easter must be coming - all these pastels!

After cutting, lay out your pieces as shown.

Sew the 1" rectangles together first. There's a bit of precision sewing needed for these units, so take care with your 1/4" seam allowance. I pressed the seams to the pink rectangles.

Finish the block like a 9-patch. Sew the rows together first, pressing the seams out on the top and bottom and in on the middle row. Then join the rows to get your 6 1/2" block.