Cross Quilt Pattern
To celebrate Easter, enjoy constructing this beginner friendly wall hanging with a free Cross Quilt Pattern.
Most of the Cross Quilt Pattern samples I’ve seen use a variation on the log cabin block. They are beautiful, but they require a bit of skill to construct. The version I developed is made using 2.5″ strips so it’s easy to cut your own fabric OR use pre cuts. If you have a special jelly roll in your stash, this might be the perfect use for it. Best of all, this is truly a quilt in a day project, and perfect for beginners.
Jelly Roll Strips 
Strips cut from yardage More Jelly roll strips
This Cross quilt pattern is based on 2.5″ strips of fabric, and is constructed by making three strip sets which are then sub cut. Strip sets are made by sewing two or more strips of fabric together to construct a unique fabric.
Using Strip Sets as the foundation for the Cross Quilt pattern shown here is a fast and fun way to see your cross motif come alive quickly.
Cutting Instructions:
- Color A (White of the cross): 2 – 2.5″ Strips
- Color B (Gold or the first color surrounding the cross): 2 – 2.5″ Strips
- Color C (Turquoise or the middle color in the background): 2 – 2.5″ Strips
- Color D: (Lavender or the third color in the background): 2 – 2.5″ Strips
- Color E: (Violet or the Border of the wall hanging): 3 – 2.5″ Strips
- Binding: 3 – 2.5″ Strips
Additional Materials:
- 1 yard quilt batting
- 1 yard cotton fabric for backing
- Thread
Cut the strips and lay them out in the order you want them to appear
How to cut and piece the Cross Quilt Pattern:
To construct the background of the cross, piece two strip sets using colors B, C, and D while being careful to piece the colors in the same order.
When the strips sets are complete, subcut them down to:
- 2 – 8.5″ lenghts
- 2 – 14.5″ lengths
There will be a bit of leftover so save that for another project to make later or put into your scrap pile.
Subcut the white strip set, Color A, made of 2 strips as follows:
- 1 – 8.5″ length
- 1 – 14.5″ length
- 1 – 16.5″ length
Place the strips cut at the same lengths together. Turn the 16.5″ white strip horizontal to represent the cross bar of the cross motif.
Make sure that Color B is next to Color A on both sides.
To construct the motif of the cross quilt pattern, piece the parts as follows:
- Piece the top 3 strip sets together.
- Then piece the bottom 3 strip sets together.
- Piece the top and bottom sections one at a time to horizontal middle section.
Once the central part of the Cross Quilt is made, attach the border, Color E, all the way around. I generally piece on the top and bottom and then the sides.
Set up the quilt top as a standard quilt sandwich to include the completed quilt top, the batting and the backing fabric. I use special safety pins to attach the layers together while quilting, but you can use whatever method you prefer,
Quilt the project as desired. Here I used a standard lattice or criss cross pattern. I used the 2.5″ quilting ruler as my guide to getting straight, even lines of sewing. (affiliate link)
Once the project is quilted, trim the excess making sure the project is square on all sides, and then attach the quilt binding.
Display your finished project to complete your Easter celebration. The finished project measures 20″ x 30″ and is a perfect size wall hanging for most rooms.
I hang my quilts using a thick dowel that rests on 3 large nails. Be sure to include a heavy nail in the center to provide support. Then clip curtain rings (affiliate link) to the project and display on the dowel. Enjoy this video I made showing my full process if you’re interested in hanging and displaying your own quilted projects!
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I love the simplicity both in the design and construction of this Cross Quilt Pattern.
Using strip sets that are then subcut provide the fun of sewing and only require simple cutting and measurements.
Having the cross in 3 pieces reinforces the concept of the Holy Trinity
Consider the colors you choose to construct your Cross Quilt Pattern
Color selection makes a huge difference in how your project reads. This means different colors or patterns will create projects with similar but very different appearance. I wanted something uplifting and that pulled in the traditional colors of Lent which we associate with Purples.
If you want to cut your own strips, having the right tools for the job will make things much easier.
Quilting is just as much about CUTTING and FINISHING as it is about piecing. Taking extra time and care for even simple projects like today’s will ensure a finished project you’ll be proud to show for years to come.
Select the right quilting ruler for the job.
I love to use 2.5″ strips in my quilting projects, so I cut them frequently from yardage. Having a ruler designed for cutting those strips easily and accurately make things much easier. My favorite line of quilting rulers are designed by Creative Grids, (affiliate link) and while they are not inexpensive, they are well made and designed. If you take care of your tools, they will last for years. So consider your cutting tools an investment.
Basting matters
Since I pin baste my quilt projects, I use specialty safety pins designed with a deliberate bend (affiliate link) to make pinning easier.
Selecting a good quality fabric creates a beautiful, long lasting project.
While it is tempting to buy less expensive fabrics when browsing a big box store, often those fabrics will yield disappointing projects. Investing in nicer cottons from quilt stores (affiliate link) will help you to craft projects you’ll be proud to show for years to come.
He is not here; He has risen!
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Hi! I’m Pattymac!
Sewist, Baker, Quilt Maker
