Little Cross Blocks
I've been concentrating on the Little Cross blocks, needing to see some progress there.
I don't want to make a big quilt from these blocks, it's just a way to use up some of the blocks I've already made. I was on the verge of not cutting any more, but it's such a good way to use up partial strips that I've reconsidered.
To make it even more scrappy, you can use different fabrics for the cross.
A 9.5" strip will make the cross; it needs a 5" x 2" rectangle and 2 2" squares.
The background needs a 14.5" strip cut into 4 2" squares and 4 triangles cut with a triangle ruler such as an Easy Angle.
The cross is made with the 2" squares flanking that rectangle.
The triangles are added over the arms of the cross. They are way too big, but that means they don't need any careful positioning. The point of the triangle should be roughly in the centre of the blue piece. I can sew these on really quickly chain piecing style.
The triangles are pressed outwards, and the block trimmed to 4 3/4". I usually just trim it to a quarter inch past the points of the cross, which is nearly always the right measurement. That tiny length of bias in every side means it can be finessed to fit the 1.5" strip around the block.
I added the 1.5" strip round the block by cutting 4 3/4" rectangles and 1.5" squares from contrasting fabric. I'm trying very hard not to be too be picky about what I put where.
I'm using pale fabric for the light crosses because white seemed too big a contrast. This lets me use up even more of the 2" strips, which makes me happy.
I have more than enough of the dark crosses, so I need to concentrate on the light crosses for a while. I'm quite happy to stockpile them with the rest until I come up with a new way to use them.
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