I think this is my favorite way to use the Crossroads quilt block. In this tutorial, the Crossroads block becomes the center unit, building two pillars (squares) on the foundation of the courthouse (rectangle).
I don’t use the traditional method of constructing this block. My easy sew and cut method saves time by reducing the number of “strips” that need to be cut. Actually, instead of strips you will be cutting rectangles, sewing them on two sides and then cutting them in half. This method is fast, accurate, and more enjoyable since the rectangle units are larger and easier to work with.
You will need three light fabrics and three dark fabrics for the contrasting steps. When doing the math for a quilt, simply multiply the cuts (and the center units) by the number of blocks needed. To make this easy, I have highlighted the the cutting instructions in bold type.
First, construct a center unit using my Crossroads Quilt Block tutorial. Use a dark fabric for the rectangle. Your center unit should measure 4” x 4”.
Cut a rectangle 3” x 4” from one of your light fabrics.
Position the light 3” x 4” rectangle on top of the Crossroads block, right sides together. (The cut rectangle will not cover the entire Crossroads block.) Sew the two sides that are perpendicular to the Crossroads’ rectangle as shown.
Shift the tube and quickly match up the seams by butting them up against each other. Finger press a fold into the light rectangle.
With a pair of scissors, cut along the fold line. Finger press open. Your unit should measure 4” x 6”. (From this point forward assume that each new cut rectangle is positioned on the previously sewn unit, right sides together.)
Cut a 3” x 6” rectangle from one of your dark fabrics. Sew the two sides that are perpendicular to the previously sewn light strips.
Shift the tube, match the seams, and finger press a fold into the dark rectangle. Cut along the fold line as before. Finger press open. Your unit should measure 6” x 6”.
Cut a 3” x 6” rectangle from a light fabric. Sew the two sides perpendicular to the previously sewn dark strips.
Shift the tube, match the seams, and finger press a fold line into the light rectangle. Cut along the fold line and finger press open. Your unit should measure 6” x 8”.
Cut a 3” x 8” rectangle from a dark fabric. Sew the two sides perpendicular to the previously sewn light strips. Shift the tube, match the seams, and finger press a fold line. Cut along the fold and finger press open. Your unit should measure 8” x 8”.
Cut a 3” x 8” rectangle from a light fabric. Sew the two sides that are perpendicular to the previously sewn dark strips.
Shift the tube, match the seams, and finger press a fold line. Cut along the fold and finger press open. Your unit should measure 8” x 10”.
Cut a 3” x 10” rectangle from a dark fabric. Sew the two sides perpendicular to the previously sewn light strips. Shift the tube, match the seams, and finger press a fold into the dark rectangle. Cut along the fold and finger press open. The block should measure 10” x10”.
Press your block, square up if necessary, and take pleasure in a job well done.
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I’m at the quilt sandwich stage of my Crossroads scrap quilt, with hopes of getting it quilted today. I use the word hope because it’s probably not going to happen. I keep eying (did you know the spelling of this little word is controversial?) the Courthouse Steps block on my cutting table, longing to make another log cabin quilt. And then there’s the monkey fabric begging for a cute quilt design and the fabrics I purchased last week that I already have a quilt design for. . .
Ahhhh. So many sweet decisions.
Nancy
How did you machine quilt your courthouse steps quilt? I just finished a top and really don’t want to stitch in the ditch. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Pat
Pat, I really like doing a diagonal grid on log cabin type quilts. Stitching in the ditch on log cabin blocks can be tedious for me. Hope this helps.