Cross and Crown Quilt

Cross and Crown Quilt by Rhonda Byrd

The Cross & Crown quilt pattern, designed by Sandra Clemons for Quilting Daily, is a delightful blend of traditional charm and modern flair. This fat-quarter-friendly design is perfect for quilters looking to create a vibrant and engaging quilt that showcases a variety of prints.

Creating this quilt requires careful cutting and precise assembly to achieve its detailed cross and crown motif.

Cutting Guide:

White solid fabric: Squares (3⅞" & 2½"), strips (1½" & 2½" widths) for piecing and borders.

Print fat quarters: Squares (4¾" & 3⅞") from each of the 19 assorted prints.

Red solid fabric: Small squares (1½") for added contrast.

Brown print fabric: Binding strips (2½" width).

Assembly Overview:
Each 9" block combines pieced triangles and squares, using efficient techniques like sewing along drawn lines and cutting multiple units simultaneously for accuracy. The 56 blocks are arranged in an 8-row by 7-column layout, incorporating sashing strips and red cornerstones for a dynamic finish.

Borders & Finishing: 

Once the quilt top is assembled, add white solid borders, then layer with batting and backing. Sandra Clemons suggests serpentine quilting for texture and movement across the quilt width. Finish by binding with brown print fabric.

Final Size: Approximately 73½" x 83½", making it a cozy lap-size quilt, perfect for various settings.

Sandra Clemons's original version of the Cross & Crown quilt features retro prints from Denyse Schmidt's Hadley collection for FreeSpirit Fabrics, infusing the traditional block with a contemporary twist. The use of vibrant prints against a crisp white background accentuates the intricate design, while the red cornerstones add a pop of color and cohesion.

This pattern's versatility allows for endless customization. Whether you prefer bold, modern prints or classic, subdued tones, the Cross & Crown quilt can be tailored to reflect your personal style.

The Cross & Crown quilt pattern is available for free through Quilting Daily:

Cross & Crown Quilt Pattern – Quilting Daily

This comprehensive pattern includes detailed instructions, diagrams, and photos to guide you through each step of the quilting process.

The Cross & Crown quilt pattern by Sandra Clemons offers a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Its thoughtful design and clear instructions make it an enjoyable project for quilters seeking to create a meaningful and visually striking quilt. Whether you're crafting a gift or adding to your own collection, this pattern is sure to become a cherished favorite.

Arkansas Crossroads Quilt

Arkansas Crossroads Quilt

The Arkansas Crossroads Quilt, as showcased by Ruth on her blog Ye Olde Sweatshop, epitomizes this balance beautifully. Crafted from just two simple blocks—a 16-patch and an "X" block—this design creates a complex-looking lattice effect that's surprisingly easy to achieve.

Ruth's rendition of the Arkansas Crossroads Quilt is particularly inspiring. She utilized leftover pieces from Kate Spain's Terrain collection, cutting her squares with an Accuquilt 2.5" die, though rotary cutting works just as well. By laying out each 16-patch block with individual squares, she ensured a balanced color distribution, adding a personal touch to the quilt's overall aesthetic. The quilt measures approximately 58" x 74", making it a cozy lap blanket. Ruth backed it with a midnight blue minky fabric, providing both warmth and a luxurious feel. Her quilting choice—a wavy line grid using Aurifil 50wt thread—adds texture without overwhelming the design. 

For those interested in creating their own Arkansas Crossroads Quilt, Ruth's blog post offers detailed instructions and links to helpful tutorials, including videos from the Missouri Star Quilt Company. These resources guide you through sewing and cutting charm squares for the 16-patch blocks and assembling the "X" blocks, making the process accessible even for those new to quilting. 

Whether you're looking to utilize your fabric stash or seeking a project that offers both simplicity and visual appeal, the Arkansas Crossroads Quilt is a pattern worth exploring. Its adaptability in size and color scheme ensures that each quilt is a unique reflection of its maker.

Design Considerations:

Ruth emphasizes the flexibility of this pattern, noting that it's perfect for quilters without a design wall. Blocks can be created individually and stored until ready for assembly, making it a manageable project for various schedules. Additionally, the pattern is scrap-friendly and can be adapted using different fabric collections or color schemes to suit personal preferences.

For detailed instructions, fabric requirements, and additional tips, visit Ruth's original blog post:

Arkansas Crossroads Quilt Pattern (#49) – Ye Olde Sweatshop.

Final Thoughts:

The Arkansas Crossroads Quilt pattern by Ruth offers a delightful balance of simplicity and sophistication. Its straightforward construction makes it accessible for quilters of various skill levels, while the resulting design provides a visually striking finished product. Whether you're looking to utilize fabric scraps or explore new color combinations, this pattern is a valuable addition to any quilter's repertoire.