Many quiltmakers like to make six inch quilt blocks in order to use a greater variety of blocks in a sampler style quilt. Another reason might be to test out the look of a block in a smaller size in order to save on the fabrics (just in case the block looks very different than in your imagination).

Whatever your reason for creating six inch blocks, the pieces are all just smaller versions of larger sized quilt blocks -- such as the most popular size, the 12" quilt block. This is what makes quiltmaking so exciting -- you are the designer and get to choose all the components.

Crosses and Losses

Sample Quilt Layouts

Both of the quilt layouts shown below featuring the Crosses and Losses quilt block use an on point setting of the blocks for very different results.

The quilt layout illustrated on the left uses sashing strips for an extra design element and the setting triangles on the outer edges give a vibrant splash of colour.

The quilt layout shown on the right adds large corner triangles to the outer edges of each block. This enlarges the quilt and with careful colour placement of these triangles, a sort of "colour blocking" effect results.

Both quilts also took advantage of the directional nature of the block. By rotating several of the blocks by 90 degrees, different parts of the block become the subtle focus.

Download the CROSSES AND LOSSES free quilt block pattern

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