Cross / Plus Quilt Block
The simplest graphic block in quilting — five squares arranged in a plus sign
The Cross or Plus block is patchwork at its most essential — five squares (one center plus four extending arms) on a contrasting background create a bold, clean graphic shape. It requires nothing beyond accurate cutting and straight seams.
History & Background
The cross or plus-sign motif is one of the oldest symbolic shapes in human culture, predating quilting by millennia. As a quilt block, the simple nine-patch arrangement with only five filled squares was used across many traditions as an accessible first project and a foundation for more complex designs.
In traditional American quilting, the cross pattern appears in various forms including the Irish Cross, Christian Cross, and Red Cross blocks — some associated with specific community or religious meanings, others simply valued for their graphic clarity. During the Civil War era, cross-patterned quilts were made as symbols of hope and religious faith.
Modern quilters have embraced the Plus or Cross block as a minimalist graphic statement — especially in the two-color high-contrast quilts that defined the modern quilting aesthetic of the 2010s. The "plus quilt" became a particularly popular modern pattern, with designers like Then Came June helping to mainstream the clean, bold look.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cut five cross squares and four background squares
For a 9" finished block using 3" finished squares, cut five 3½" squares in the cross color and four 3½" squares in the background color.
Arrange in the nine-patch grid
Place cross squares in the center, top, bottom, left, and right positions. Place background squares in the four corners. This creates the plus sign shape.
Sew into three rows
Row 1: background + cross + background. Row 2: cross + cross + cross. Row 3: background + cross + background. Press row 1 and row 3 seams toward center; press row 2 seams outward.
Join rows
Sew the three rows together. Nest seams at intersections. Press the final seams toward the outer rows.
Tips & Techniques
- The same nine-patch cutting for a Cross block can produce both cross blocks and background blocks quickly using the strip piecing method.
- For a dramatic secondary pattern, assemble cross blocks touching edge-to-edge — the arms of adjacent crosses link up to create continuous lines across the quilt.
- Oversized cross blocks (12"–15" finished) make great show-and-tell or baby quilt projects — big squares mean fast cutting and fast sewing.
Color & Fabric Selection
Two-color Cross blocks (one cross color, one background) create the most graphic result. For a more subtle effect, use two different shades for the cross squares (lighter in the center, darker in the arms). Modern Cross quilts often use a warm neutral background (natural linen, cream) with a bold solid for the crosses.
Variations & Related Patterns
Double Cross
Two overlapping cross shapes in two colors, creating an X-and-plus pattern simultaneously.
Extended Cross
The cross arms continue across multiple blocks, creating a continuous grid of crossing lines.
Quick Facts
Put it to use
NiftyFifty quilters have been swapping blocks like this one since 1997. Browse our historical archive or join a new swap.
Browse quilt swaps →Related Guides
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