Double Cross - The Process of Assembling A Civil War Block

Embarking on a quilting journey is like walking through a gallery of stories, memories, and connections. My recent adventure into quilting took a vibrant turn as I decided to craft a Civil War quilt featuring traditional blocks from the era, including "Double Cross". This traditional design, built from half square triangles (HSTs), blends rich history and skilled craftsmanship into a stunning creation. Join me as I walk you through selecting fabrics, cutting pieces, and assembling this intricate block in a way that’s accessible for everyone.

Selecting the Fabrics

The first step in any quilting project is finding the right fabrics. For this Civil War quilt, I explored two primary sources: Connecting Threads and my local quilt shop, The Quilt Patch. Connecting Threads has a fantastic range of fabrics that reflect the styles of the Civil War era, while my local shop was full of rich, earthy tones and authentic reproduction prints.

I spent quite a long time both online and at The Quilt Patch, closely examining fabrics and selecting true reproduction prints or those that resemble prints from the period around the Civil War. Some choices included deep reds, faded blues, and soft creams. I have collected quilt a stash and that is where I pulled my fabrics for this quilt. I knew I wanted to include the fabric with the large red crosses, that beautifully echoed the designs from that era. The muted tones and intricate patterns of these fabrics inspired a sense of connection to history.

The goal was to create a cohesive look, striking a balance between light and dark fabrics. After much consideration, I selected enough pieces for my 6" Double Cross block, each chosen to enhance the overall design.

Precision Cutting with the AccuQuilt Cutter

Next, it was time to cut the fabric. Enter my reliable AccuQuilt cutter, a real game-changer in my quilting process. This handy tool allows me to achieve precise cuts every time, which is vital for maintaining consistency in each piece.

With the AccuQuilt, I cut my HSTs without any post-trimming or fuss. This efficiency saved me time and ensured that I could focus on sewing rather than cutting. Accurate cutting is particularly important for traditional blocks like the Double Cross, where precision can greatly affect the overall design. Every triangle was cut perfectly, eagerly waiting to be sewn together into a stunning pattern.

One confession, that I have to make, is that it's usually better to press your fabrics with a bit of starch before putting them through the cutter. I forgot to do that this time, but they still came out beautifully. You'll notice in the photo below, however, that a few of the pieces are a little "bent". Mary Ellen's Best Press will help to eliminate any bends or wrinkles, easily, without leaving your fabric feeling stiff or sticky.

The benefit of starching them first is that they will hold their shape better when cut and not distort, and when pressing seams, you'll get a crisper press. Not a requirement, but it is a "nice to do".

Perfectly cut fabric triangles ready for assembly, with a couple that needed a good starching. Oops!

Chain-Piecing the HSTs

Chain piecing in action: neatly aligned fabric triangles glide through the sewing machine, streamlining the quilt assembly process.

With my fabric pieces ready, I moved into the chain-piecing process. Chain-piecing means sewing multiple pieces in a continuous chain, which is both time-efficient and creates an enjoyable rhythm in the sewing process.

As I pieced the HSTs, I loved how the fabric line started to resemble colorful flags strung together. Watching my sewing machine quickly produce completed units brought excitement and satisfaction to my quilting experience.

After finishing the chain-piecing, I pressed the seams to ensure they lay flat, setting the stage for the assembly of the blocks.

Festive triangle-shaped HSTs create a charming bunting effect, adding a touch of whimsy to the crafting table.

Pressing the Seams

Although pressing seams might seem trivial, it's a critical step in quilt-making. I followed a careful protocol, pressing seams in specific directions to facilitate block assembly. This attention to detail allows the blocks to fit together neatly, reducing bulk at the intersections.

One of my favorite techniques includes spiraling the center of each square. This method flattens the seam allowance and minimizes bulk. Simple techniques like these can significantly enhance the final look of the quilt, ensuring blocks lie flat and create a polished appearance.

Quilting perfection: Seams expertly pressed in various directions, including a spiraled center seam, to minimize bulk and enhance the quilt block's finish.

Assembling the Blocks

Now came the moment of truth: assembling the blocks. With my HSTs pressed and seams in ideal shape, I began laying them out to create my 6" Double Cross block. This block is created from a series of smaller blocks, which I arranged carefully to achieve that iconic pattern, ensuring an even distribution of colors and shapes.

Since this block is based on a historical pattern, I lend my creative edge to it with my fabric selections. This point of assembly finally reveals the results of the carefully selected colors and patterns. I aimed to maintain balance across the block, creating a design that resonates with history while expressing my style. Each piece amplifies the narrative component of this quilt, reminding me of the skilled quilters from the past.

Final Touches and the Finished Block

After carefully stitching the squares together and pressing the final seams, I took a moment to enjoy my completed block. Each piece told a unique story, from the fabrics I chose to the cutting and sewing techniques I applied. The result was a striking 6" Double Cross block that beautifully fused history with my personal touch. Eventually, I plan to hand quilt these blocks and I'm toying with the idea of assembling them in a Quilt As You Go method. We'll see.

Traditional quilt blocks like Double Cross forge connections across generations. Quilters have created these designs for centuries, weaving together warmth, memories, and legacy with each stitch.

Beautifully assembled Double Cross block highlighting fabric patterns

Reflecting on My Quilt-Making Journey

Creating my Civil War quilt has been a fulfilling experience. From selecting rich fabrics at Connecting Threads and my local quilt shop to using my AccuQuilt cutter for precision cutting, each step played a crucial role in the outcome.

Whether you're an experienced quilter or just beginning, I hope my process inspires you to explore your quilting journey. Embrace tradition, add your creativity, and remember that each stitch can narrate a story. Every block you create is not just a piece of fabric but a connection to the past, allowing for personal expression in a timeless craft. Happy quilting!