The crossroads quilt block is a great way to showcase a variety of fabrics.

Feel free to use precuts or select fabric from your stash.

This block is made using just two basic units arranged just so to create an X.

CROSSROADS QUILT BLOCK

This is a classic block that is often arranged in a diamond shape.

But to me a cross roads is where two roads intersect. My block reflects that definition.

Interestingly enough, when creating a whole quilt with either arrangement, the end result is nearly identical.

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crossroads quilt block with text overlay

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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING

This project requires just the basic quilting tools. Below are my favorites.

fabric
thread
rotary cutter / cutting mat / straight edge
sewing machine (This is my new machine that I absolutely love!)
sewing scissors
pencil
iron and wool ironing mat

For all my best quilting supply recommendations, check out my Amazon storefront.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A 16" CROSSROADS BLOCK

8) 4 1/2 inch squares in white
48) 2 1/2 inch squares in a variety of colors

Note: Use precuts or fabrics from your stash. A precut jelly roll makes quick work of cutting the smaller squares since they are already 2 1/2 inches wide.

fabric cut and ready to make a cross roads block

HOW TO MAKE A CROSSROADS QUILT BLOCK

The crossroads block is made of two basic units - the four patch, and what I'll call the cross block.

You'll need 8 of each.

Then it's simply a matter of assembling them.

MAKING THE CROSS BLOCKS

For each block, select one white 4 1/2 inch white square and two colored 2 1/2 inch squares.

On the two small squares draw a line diagonally from corner to corner on the back side of the fabric.

Place the small squares on opposite corners of the white square with the lines parallel to each other.

Sew along the drawn lines.

Trim 1/4 inch away from the seam on the point side of the seam.

Press the seams flat.
The block should be 4 1/2 inches at this point.

Repeat to make a total of 8 blocks.

MAKING THE FOUR PATCH BLOCKS

To make a four patch block, select four 2 1/2 inch pieces.

Arrange the block in two rows of two.

Sew together the two squares for the top row, then sew the two squares for the bottom row.

Press the seams.

Note: I like to press the seam for the top row to the left and the seam for the bottom row to the right. Then the seams will nest nicely as we sew the rows together.

showing the back of the fabric units with the seams pressed in opposite directions

Sew the two rows together.

Press the seams flat.

One way to get the seams of a four patch block as flat as possible is to press the seams in both directions, changing at the center seam. (See picture above.)

At the center point, wiggle the fabric a bit to loosen the stitches. The fabric can then be pressed to create a tiny little four patch in the center.

This helps with the bulk in the middle and the block will lay better.

These blocks should also be 4 1/2 inches square.

Repeat to make 8 four patch blocks.

MAKING THE DIAGONAL BLOCKS

Now it's time to begin assembling our block. First we will create another four patch, using two of our four patches and two of our cross blocks.

Arrange the units so that the cross blocks are opposite each other with the points creating a diagonal line across the block.

Place the 4 patch blocks in the remaining corners, opposite each other.

Sew together each row. Press flat.

Sew the rows together. Press flat.
Repeat to make 4 of these blocks.

They should measure 8 1/2 inches.

ASSEMBLING THE CROSSROADS QUILT BLOCK

Arrange the four blocks again in a 4-patch formation.

Rotate the blocks as necessary to create a large x with the white sections of the blocks.

cross roads quilt block ready to sew together

Sew together each row. Press flat.

Sew the rows together. Press flat.

The finished block is 16 1/2 inches. Once sewn into a quilt it will be a 16 inch block.

ALTERNATIVE ASSEMBLY METHOD

If you'd like to assemble the block the more traditional way, then simply arrange the white lines into a diamond shape during the final assembly of the block.

It's pretty crazy the different look it creates using the exact same blocks just arranged differently.

But what's even more crazy is that both blocks create a very similar quilt.

The image on the left is using my quilt block. The image on the right is using the traditional method.
You can see they are nearly identical.