Patchwork Of The Crosses Quilt Tutorial: A Free, Beautiful Guide with 1" Honeycombs and Squares

Discover the Magic of the Patchwork Of The Crosses Quilt

The Patchwork Of The Crosses quilt is a beloved classic among English Paper Piecing (EPP) enthusiasts. It looks intricate and complex, yet it can be made with just two simple shapes: 1" honeycombs and 1" squares. With the right guidance, this striking design becomes an accessible, relaxing project that lets your fabric collection truly shine.

Why This Design Is Perfect for English Paper Piecing

At its heart, the Patchwork Of The Crosses (often called POTC) is a masterclass in fussy cutting and symmetry. The repeating honeycomb units form dramatic crosses and secondary patterns, while the squares stabilize the layout and give your eye a place to rest. Because everything is built from small, repeatable units, it is ideal for hand sewing at your own pace.

The Beauty of 1" Honeycombs

Using 1" honeycombs (measured along one side) gives you:

• Manageable pieces that are comfortable to hold and stitch.
• Plenty of surface area for showcasing motifs, stripes, florals, and novelty prints.
• Clean intersections that help your crosses appear crisp and precise.

1" Squares: The Quiet Frame Around the Drama

The 1" squares serve as connectors and calm spaces around the more complex honeycomb clusters. They are perfect for:

• Framing the crosses and highlighting your color choices.
• Helping your blocks line up neatly across the quilt.
• Adding contrast or continuity, depending on your fabric selection.

The Three Basic Blocks That Build the Quilt

The entire Patchwork Of The Crosses quilt can be broken down into three essential block types. Understanding these will help you design, plan, and assemble your quilt with confidence, even if you do not have the original book.

Block 1: The Central Cross Block

This is the star of the quilt and the motif that gives POTC its name. It is formed from honeycombs that radiate out from a central axis, creating a cross shape that almost glows when you choose your fabrics carefully.

• Center motif: Often a fussy-cut design that repeats in all four arms of the cross.
• Surrounding honeycombs: Coordinating fabrics that echo the colors of the center.
• Corner squares: 1" squares that create a frame and help the block join to others.

Block 2: Connector or Pathway Block

The connector block softens the transitions between cross blocks. It uses a mix of honeycombs and squares to create subtle pathways and secondary shapes across the quilt top.

• Repeating colors: Often drawn from the central cross blocks to unify the design.
• Simpler layout: Fewer fussy cuts, more focus on color and value.
• Visual rest: Gives the eye places to pause between the more detailed crosses.

Block 3: Border or Filler Block

The third block type fills gaps and straightens edges so your quilt can be squared up for borders and binding. It may be simpler or more repetitive, but it is essential for a polished finish.

• Edge shaping: Adjusts the natural zigzag edges of honeycombs into a straight line.
• Background emphasis: Often uses background fabric or low-volume prints.
• Flexible design: You can adapt this block to change the size of the overall quilt.

Fabric Selection and Fussy Cutting Tips

The true charm of a Patchwork Of The Crosses quilt lies in how you place your prints. Strategic fussy cutting can create kaleidoscopic effects, mirrored motifs, and glowing centers with minimal effort.

Choosing Fabrics for Maximum Impact

Consider these guidelines when curating your fabrics:

• Large-scale prints: Ideal for the central cross and for creating symmetrical repeats.
• Stripes and geometrics: Perfect for outlining shapes or adding movement.
• Tonal and low-volume fabrics: Useful for background squares, pathways, and borders.
• High contrast: Use light and dark values intentionally to make the cross design pop.

Smart Fussy Cutting with Minimal Waste

To make the most of your fabric:

• Use a clear template or acrylic honeycomb ruler to preview motifs before cutting.
• Mark reference lines on your template to align stripes, florals, or medallions.
• Cut multiple identical honeycombs at once for perfect mirrored or rotating designs.

Simple Sewing Sequence Guide

While the design looks complex, the actual sewing sequence is straightforward once you understand the steps. Here is a clear guide to help you assemble your blocks efficiently and enjoy the process.

Step 1: Prepare Your Templates and Papers

1. Cut or gather your 1" honeycomb and 1" square paper pieces.
2. Cut fabric pieces with at least a 1/4" seam allowance around each shape.
3. Lay out your pieces according to the three basic blocks you plan to sew.

Step 2: Baste the 1" Honeycombs and Squares

1. Center each paper piece on the wrong side of the fabric.
2. Fold seam allowances over the edge of the paper and baste with thread or glue.
3. Keep your basting stitches on the back only, so they do not show on the front.

Step 3: Assemble the Central Cross

1. Arrange the honeycombs for the central cross on a flat surface in their final positions.
2. Whipstitch adjacent edges together with fine thread and small, even stitches.
3. Work from the center outwards, joining one honeycomb at a time until the full cross is complete.

Step 4: Add Surrounding Honeycombs and Corner Squares

1. Attach additional honeycombs around the finished cross to build up the block.
2. Insert 1" squares at the corners or between honeycombs where the design requires.
3. Check alignment regularly to keep points and intersections neat.

Step 5: Build Connector and Filler Blocks

1. Use the same whipstitch method to assemble your connector and border blocks.
2. Lay out your blocks on a design wall or flat surface to preview the overall pattern.
3. Adjust color balance and placement before permanently joining blocks.

Step 6: Join the Blocks into Rows and Sections

1. Join completed blocks edge to edge, paying attention to seam direction.
2. Work in sections or rows, rather than across the entire quilt at once, to keep it manageable.
3. Press seams gently as you go, using a pressing cloth to protect delicate fabrics.

Step 7: Remove Papers and Prepare for Quilting

1. Once all surrounding edges of a piece are sewn, you can carefully remove the inner papers.
2. Leave papers at the outer edges until the entire top is assembled to maintain accuracy.
3. Press the finished quilt top flat and prepare your layers for hand or machine quilting.

Customizing the Size and Layout

One of the joys of the Patchwork Of The Crosses pattern is its flexibility. You can create a small wall hanging, a generous throw, or a full bed quilt simply by adjusting the number of blocks and borders.

Planning Your Quilt Dimensions

• Small project: Focus on a single spectacular central cross surrounded by a few connector blocks.
• Lap or throw: Arrange several central cross blocks in a grid, with pathway blocks between.
• Bed quilt: Expand the design with additional rows, filler blocks, and wide borders.

Color Stories and Themes

The same basic structure can look dramatically different based on your palette:

• Vintage floral: Soft pastels, roses, and tiny prints evoke a classic heirloom feel.
• Modern graphic: Bold solids and geometrics emphasize the honeycomb geometry.
• Scrappy rainbow: Use many colors but control value to keep the crosses readable.

Finishing Touches: Quilting and Binding

After the piecing is complete, thoughtful quilting will enhance the shapes and structure of your Patchwork Of The Crosses quilt.

Quilting Ideas

• Outline quilting: Stitch around the honeycombs and squares to emphasize the patchwork.
• Cross motifs: Echo the central cross with repeated quilted crosses or halos.
• Soft allover design: A gentle meander or simple grid lets the piecing remain the star.

Choosing a Binding

Because the edge is straightened by your border and filler blocks, you can finish with a standard straight-grain binding. Consider:

• Solid binding: Frames the quilt and tidies the busy interior.
• Striped binding: Adds a playful, candy-stripe finish that echoes the honeycombs.
• Scrappy binding: Uses leftover fabrics from your blocks for a cohesive, eco-friendly touch.

Enjoying a Free, Accessible Tutorial Experience

You can create the entire Patchwork Of The Crosses design with 1" honeycombs and 1" squares, using straightforward diagrams and clear, step-by-step instructions. Even without the original book, learning the three basic blocks and following a simple sewing sequence is enough to guide you from your first basting stitches to a fully finished quilt top. The key is to take your time, enjoy each small unit, and let the pattern slowly reveal itself as the blocks come together.