BLOCK Friday: Album Cross Quilt Block – Fons & Porter

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Album Cross Quilt, 1844 — International Quilt Study Center & Museum

Happy BLOCK Friday! We have a tried-and-true quilt block for you today — the Album Cross block. It has withstood the test of time, having been a popular block for quilts made in the 1800s, like the quilt featured here from 1844.

For you traditional quilters, you’ll likely recognize the Album Cross, either by name or from using it in your own quilts. What’s fun about the Album Cross is its versatility — it works in traditional and modern quilts, evidenced by its appearance in countless quilt patterns, like those below.

Despite its simple construction and adaptability in quilt arrangements, quilters may get a little frustrated when making their blocks — the Album Cross is notorious for uneven “dog ears.” But, never fear! We have a couple of solutions for you:

Find out how to trim Album Cross blocks by making your own template:


Or, MAKE EASY & QUICK ALBUM CROSS BLOCKS with the Fons & Porter Album Cross template:


We have several quilts that feature this block and vary in their project ratings (easy to intermediate) and style (contemporary to traditional):

Checkboxes - Fat Quarter Quilt Patterns
Checkboxes

CHECKBOXES:

Finished Size: 58″ × 69″
Finished Blocks: 30 (8″) blocks and 42 (3″) blocks
Rating: Intermediate
Designed by: Marianne Fons

This quilt has a cute story…
Marianne was inspired to create this updated Album Cross quilt when she spotted bundles of shot cottons at the International Quilt Festival. Then, a friend who saw the finished quilt, was inspired by the design and dubbed the quilt Checkboxes.

If you’re looking to use up some of your fat quarters, they’ll look great in this quilt.

Cross Road to Grandma's House Quilt
Cross Road to Grandma’s House

CROSS ROAD TO GRANDMA’S HOUSE QUILT:

Finished Size: 70″ x 81″
Finished Blocks: 30 (8″) Album Cross blocks, 18 (8″) Snowball blocks
Rating: Intermediate
Designed by: Barbara J. Eikmeier
Quilt kit: Cross Road to Grandma’s House quilt kit

The rich-hued prints in this quilt bring a cozy feel to this project. And, the two well-loved, traditional blocks — Album Cross block and Snowball block — combine to create a pleasing design that looks effortless.

This bed-size quilt is such a hit with Fons & Porter, it was featured in the Love of Quilting 2900 TV series, episode 2911. Take a look at the preview of this episode to find out more about this one.

Strawberry Patch Quilt
Strawberry Patch

STRAWBERRY PATCH QUILT:

Finished Size: 54″ x 62″
Finished Blocks: 30 (8″) blocks
Rating: Intermediate
Designed by: Jean Ann Wright

This adorable patchwork pattern uses pre-cuts featuring strawberries (hence the name). But, we want you to pick your favorite 2½” pre-cut strips to make this fun-to-piece quilt your own.

The Album Cross blocks in this design form a trellis-like pattern, and combined with cheery prints, the finished quilt adopts a summertime look. These quilt blocks go together quickly, which makes this project even more appealing.

Crossing Paths Quilt
Crossing Paths

CROSSING PATHS QUILT:

Finished Size: 45½” x 56⅞”
Finished Blocks: 32 (8″) blocks
Rating: Easy
Designed by: Diane Tomlinson
Quilt kit: Crossing Paths quilt kit

Fons & Porter Associate Editor Diane Tomlinson uses one of her favorite blocks — the Album Cross quilt block, of course — to make this striking quilt.

Diane used fabric from Hoffman Fabric’s You & Me collection. If you love these fabrics like we do, a quilt kit is available. The color combinations featured in this quilt give it a fresh and airy feel. Picking tones that are close to one another on the color wheel really pays off with this design. The use of color in this quilt instills a sense of calm and the thought of sitting seaside. Just lovely.

Twilight in the Garden Quilt
Twilight in the Garden

TWILIGHT IN THE GARDEN QUILT:

Finished Size: 66″ x 83″
Finished Blocks: 36 (6″) blocks
Rating: Intermediate
Designed by: Joanie Horton and Melanie Greseth
Quilt kit: Twilight in the Garden quilt kit

Use the tried-and-true Album Cross block to make this ingeniously designed bed-size quilt. The use of dark plum prints give this quilt a rich feel, but using lighter or modern fabrics would make this traditional design a bit more contemporary. The lovely thing about this quilt is that it’s versatile. Make it your own or follow our lead — you really can’t go wrong with this one.

Have fun with this block and try it out in your favorite Album Cross quilt pattern. It’s a great time to be a quilter, isn’t it?

Carrie Sisk, Online Editor, Fons & Porter

 

Happy Quilting!

Carrie Sisk, Fons & Porter, Online Editor

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