Magic Cross is a fun and simple block. I especially like this block because it's reminiscent of a star block, without messing with all those flying geese. The devil is in the details, though, so make sure that you at least read the whole step before sewing. Otherwise, keep your seam ripper handy! As always, measurements for the 12" block are listed first, with 8" measurements listed in parenthesis.
Step 1: Cut as follows
Fabric A (light background)
- Cut 1 7 1/4" square (8" block -- 5 1/4"). Divide into four quarter-square triangles.
- Cut 2 3 7/8" squares (8" block -- 2 7/8"). Divide each into half-square triangles.
- Cut 1 4 3/4" square (8" block -- 3 3/8").
Fabric B (focus fabric, traditionally medium)
- Cut 1 7 1/4" square (8" block -- 5 1/4"). Divide into four quarter-square triangles.
- Cut 2 3 7/8" squares (8" block -- 2 7/8"). Divide each into half-square triangles.
Fabric C (secondary fabric, traditionally dark)
- Cut 2 3 7/8" square (8" block -- 2 7/8"). Divide each into half-square triangles.
Step 2: Using a 1/4" seam, sew each small Fabric A triangle to each small Fabric B triangles. Make sure that your Fabric B triangle is on the left for each set. Press seams.
Step 3: Again using a 1/4" seam, attach each remaining Fabric B triangle to the units you just built in Step 2. Press seams. These are the points of your Magic Cross.
Step 4: Find your 4 3/4" square (the only one we didn't divide into triangles). Attach one of the "points" to either side of this block. Use a 1/4" seam when sewing and press when complete.
Step 5: Attach your remaining light triangles to each side of your two leftover points. Make sure to attach your triangles on the short side, leaving the long side as the outside edge. Press seams. You will have two complete units when finished.
Step 6: Join your rows together. Press seams. You now have a hexagon.
Step 7: Using a 1/4" seam, attach your Fabric C triangles to this hexagon. Make sure to sew those triangles on where they belong! You should be adding some corners to the short segments of the hexagon. When pressed, you'll have a complete block.
Step 8: Press seams. You're done!
