Constructing Cross-Stitch Quilt Blocks

The challenge when assembling cross-stitch quilt blocks will be to emphasize the designs while making a distinction between the blocks, which you normally embroider on comparable background fabric. The remedy is to separate the blocks with narrow bands of a contrasting material, called sashing. Choose sashing fabric in a solid color that complements the cross-stitch designs. The finished quilt top shows off the cross-stitch blocks with an attractive framed impact.

Press the cross-stitched quilt blocks face-down on a folded towel on top of a ironing board. Pressing at the top of the towel will keep the embroidery stitches from prying.

Stack and assess the quilt blocks to verify they are all the same size. Utilizing a quilting ruler, rotary cutter and mat, trim the blocks as required to make sure that the corners are square, and the heights and widths are identical.

Put out the blocks in rows to a level surface, like a bed, floor or layout wall. A typical arrangement with 20 blocks may be four blocks wide by five blocks high five rows of four blocks each. In case the blocks have different designs, move them around till you’re pleased with the arrangement.

Cut vertical sashing strips, each provided that the height of the organized blocks. The width of these strips must equal your preferred sashing width plus 1/2 inch. For instance, if you want 2-inch-wide sashing, cut the strips 2 1/2 inches wide. For each row, you will need one less strip than the number of blocks from the row. For instance, use three strips for a four-block row. To get a quilt with five rows of four blocks each, you’ll need a total of 15 vertical strips.

Pin the long border of a sashing strip into the inside edge of the first block in the first row, right sides together. Sew a 1/4-inch seam along this border, and press the seam open. Pin the second edge of the strip into the next block; stitch a 1/4-inch seam, and press. Repeat to join the blocks of the very first row, then repeat to join the blocks from all of the rows.

Cut horizontal sashing strips equivalent to length of the joined rows of blocks. The number of strips you will need equals one less than the range of rows. For instance, utilize four strips for five rows of blocks.

Pin a long edge of one strip into the underside border of the row, right sides facing. Stitch a 1/4-inch seam, and press the seam open. Pin the remaining long edge of the strip into the top border of the next row of blocks. Take care to align the rows so the vertical seams fit just. Stitch a horizontal 1/4-inch seam and press. Repeat until all of the rows are joined.

Cut two sashing strips equivalent to the perpendicular height of the joined rows. Pin the strips into the outer vertical borders of the block panel, right sides facing. Stitch 1/4-inch seams and press. Cut two more strips equivalent to the width of the block panel, including the outer sashing strips. Pin the strips into the bottom and top borders of the panel, right sides facing. Stitch 1/4-inch seams and press the seams open.