Across the Square, A Block Tutorial

This block is pieced together log cabin style. The fun part is alternating dark and light fabrics to make the center cross.

The Specs:
12.5 x 12.5 inch square
All seams are 1/4 inch and pressed open
Beginner difficulty level

The Fabrics (all are from connecting threads except the dark gray):
dark gray- Kona gray
light gray- silver lining
dark yellow- morse code
light yellow- not exactly sure but its a floral print
dark purple- mirage iris
light purple- mirage lilac

As an aside, I am still on the fence on the mirage line. I think you have to be really careful with them to make sure the finished block or quilt does not look muddy. When used correctly I think they make good solid-but-not blenders.

1. Cut your fabric:
You will need only one 2.5 inch light gray square and one 2.5 x 5 inch light yellow strip. For all other fabrics cut two pieces of each.

2. Piece the center 9-patch

Sew the two light yellow 2.5 inch squares to the light gray 2.5 inch square

 Sew the two dark yellow pieces to the light yellow piece and cut in half across the strips 

(see the next picture).

Piece the two outer rows to the center row.

3. Make the middle and outer square "logs"

Cut the middle square logs into two 2.25 inch strips

Cut the outer square logs into two 2 inch strips

4. Assemble the block

Press the final seams open and if necessary trim to 12.5 inches square. 

I hope you will find that it's a very versatile block. It is also a great way to use a jelly roll, just make each "log" individually instead of the way I did it in step 3. 

Here is a quilt mock up of this block. Doesn't it look fun!

Here are the measurements to make a 19 inch square based on my faux pas (but it makes a great pillow!)

Center 9-patch

Use the same measurements as above 

Middle square

two 5.75" x 15.5" dark gray

one 2.5" x 15.5" light gray

Sew together as before and cut into 3.75" strips

Outer square

two 9" x 15.5" dark purple

one 2.5" x 15.5" light purple

Sew together as before and cut into 3.75" strips

If you use this tutorial I would love to hear about it, especially if something is not clear. Happy piecing!