The Arkansas Crossroads Block
DIFFICULTY LEVEL ‣ BEGINNER
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE: 8″ X 8″
Cross Roads is a real community in Arkansas established in 1819, the same year Arkansas became a territory. When multiple blocks are sewn together, they create a delightful secondary pattern that looks like Xs—or crossroads— between the colorful units. Other than using a light background to create the crossroad effect, you can make this super-scrappy using dark and light scraps.
Instructions:
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Read through entire pattern before beginning project. Use ¼” seam allowances with fabric right sides together. Pressing arrows are included with illustrations. Basic quiltmaking supplies are assumed.
FABRIC:
Fabric A: (12) 3½” x 3½” assorted dark and medium squares
Fabric B: (1) 5½” x 10″ rectangle light fabric
CUTTING:
Fabric A, cut:
• (12) 2½” x 2½” squares
Fabric B, cut:
• (2) 4½” x 4½” squares
Block Assembly:
Draw a diagonal line on wrong side of (4) Fabric A 2½” squares. Referring to Diagram 1, place a marked square on opposite corners of (1) Fabric A 4½” square. Sew together on drawn lines. Trim corners ¼” from sewn lines and press to make Road Unit. Make 2.
Referring to Diagram 2, lay out (4) assorted Fabric A 2½” squares. Sew together into rows. Sew the rows together to make Four Patch Unit. Make 2.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (2) Road Units and (2) Four Patch Units (Diagram 3). Sew together into rows. Sew rows together to make The Arkansas Crossroads Block.
The “crossroads” illusion appears when you join 4 blocks together, rotating their positions as shown. Combined, the blocks create a 16-patch center that looks like it has a diamond or star behind it. It also creates faux side units and corner units that make the overall quilt look more difficult than it is.
