Stitchtale

Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross quilt block

A classic block that sews up in an afternoon and looks right in almost any fabric.

2 steps, start to finishWatch the Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross sew up, cut to press.
Sew a Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross quilt

Try it in your colours

Try it in your colours

Tap a colourway, or pick each fabric. The film at the top changes too.

Colourways

Or pick each fabric

Love it? Find real fabric in these colours at the fabric shop.

Cut sizes for one Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross block

Pick the finished size. Every cut includes the ¼″ seam allowance.

Cutting for one 6″ finished Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross block
PieceCutQty
Background squarebackground fabric3.026315789473684″ × 3.026315789473684″4
Point rectanglemain fabric1.4473684210526314″ × 3.026315789473684″2
Point rectanglemain fabric6½″ × 1.4473684210526314″1
Cutting for one 9″ finished Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross block
PieceCutQty
Background squarebackground fabric4.289473684210526″ × 4.289473684210526″4
Point rectanglemain fabric1.9210526315789473″ × 4.289473684210526″2
Point rectanglemain fabric9½″ × 1.9210526315789473″1
Cutting for one 12″ finished Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross block
PieceCutQty
Background squarebackground fabric5.552631578947368″ × 5.552631578947368″4
Point rectanglemain fabric2.394736842105263″ × 5.552631578947368″2
Point rectanglemain fabric12½″ × 2.394736842105263″1

Good to know

What size should I make a Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross block?

Any size that suits your quilt. 12″ is the easiest to sew, and 9″ or 6″ look lovely in a busy, scrappy quilt. It sits on a 19 by 19 grid, so a finished size that divides by 19 gives you friendly cutting numbers. The cut sizes for all three are on this page.

How many Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross blocks do I need for a quilt?

At 12″ you need 9 blocks for a wall quilt, 12 for a baby quilt, 30 for a throw, 48 for a twin quilt and 72 for a queen quilt. Sashing or a border between them means fewer blocks for the same size.

Is the Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross good for a beginner?

Yes. It's all squares and rectangles, so it makes a lovely first block. Keep your ¼″ seam steady and the corners will meet.

What's the trick to a neat Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross?

Sew a test Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross first and measure it. If it comes out the right size, the rest will too.

Coffee and a few seams?

Start a quilt with the Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross and we’ll walk you through every cut and seam.

Sew a Narrow-Band Equal-Arm Cross quilt