Education Sampler Sew-A-Long

Block 11 Double Cross

Almost done!  With the blocks, that is.  This one may look a bit intimidating, but once we break it down into small pieces, it is very easy.  I know I say that a lot, but have I ever been wrong on that declaration?  Working with bias edges may be a bit challenging, but the key is to not stretch it when sewing.  Let the machine do what it was designed to do – feed the fabric while you gently guide it for the seam width desired.

 

For this block, you need:

  • 5 dark fabric 2 7/8″ squares
  • 7 light fabric 2 7/8″ squares
  • 1 med light 4 7/8″ square

Cut:

  • 2 light 2 7/8″ squares once on the diagonal
  • 4 7/8″ square cut once on diagonal

Sewing:

Using the 5 dark and the 5 light 2 7/8″ squares, match dark and light RST.  Draw diagonal line on each light square and sewing lines if you prefer.  Now, chain stitch a scant 1/4″ seam on each side of the diagonal line.  Cut on the diagonal drawn line, press seam with the dark fabric on top, slowly lift the dark fabric and press the seam toward the dark fabric.  Remember you are pressing a bias seam, so press and do not iron.

You will use these half square triangles to make two 4 patch blocks to make a quarter of the full block.

The next two small  blocks use the last two half square triangle blocks, the light square triangles and the med light larger triangles.   

 

I suggest you layout the pieces as shown in the beginning photo as it can get a bit confusing.  The two light triangles will be sewn to the dark fabric sides of the half square triangle blocks with the long (bias) edge of the triangle facing the larger med light triangle.  At this point, I find it helpful to put a pin on the sides of the light fabric triangles that will be stitched to the dark fabric.  Flip one light triangle so RST with the dark portion of the half square triangle.  Stitch a scant 1/4″ seam and press the seam away from the dark fabric.  Place back in position in the block layout and flip the second side on the dark as you did the first.    When both light triangles are pressed open, they should form a straight line so you have a triangle equal in size to the medium light triangle.  RST stitch the two triangles together; repeat for the other row.

Sew to make rows, then sew rows together.  If your seams are a scant 1/4″, your combining these 4 smaller blocks into the final block should line up nicely and all of your points should be pointed.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press flat and set aside with all the previous blocks made!  One more and blocks will be completed!