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How to Sew a Cracker Quilt Block
The Cracker quilt block is a classic and versatile design featuring rectangular pieces in three coordinating fabrics arranged in a bold diagonal pattern. It looks great in a wide variety of fabric combinations and is relatively straightforward to make.
Materials Needed
- Fabric in at least three different colors (Fabrics A, B, and C)
- Rotary cutter and cutting mat
- Acrylic ruler
- Sewing machine and thread
- Iron and ironing board
Cutting Guide
- Fabric A (main fabric): four 4½" × 2½" rectangles
- Fabric B: two 4½" × 2½" rectangles and two 6½" × 2½" rectangles
- Fabric C: two 6½" × 2½" rectangles and two 8½" × 2½" rectangles
Step 1: Cut the Fabric
Using your rotary cutter, cutting mat, and acrylic ruler, carefully measure and cut all fabric pieces to the sizes listed above. Accurate cutting is key to a well-fitting finished block.
Step 2: Sew the Pieces Together
- Sew the Fabric A rectangles together in pairs along the short sides to create two sets. Press the seams open.
- Sew the Fabric B rectangles to the long sides of each Fabric A pair. Press the seams open.
- Sew the Fabric C rectangles to the top and bottom of each block, aligning the long sides. Press the seams open.
Step 3: Arrange the Blocks
Place the two blocks together at an angle to form a diamond shape, with the shorter sides of the Fabric A rectangles facing each other.
Step 4: Sew the Blocks Together
Sew the two blocks together along the long sides of the Fabric A rectangles, making sure to line up the seams. Press the seams open.
Your Cracker quilt block is complete! Repeat these steps to create as many blocks as needed. The blocks can be arranged in a variety of ways to create different patterns — experiment and have fun with it!
How to Resize Quilt Blocks
The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on your finished block size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.
Note: When working from a pattern's cutting instructions, remove the seam allowance before scaling. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½″ squares, subtract the seam allowance (½″), double the finished size (3″ → 6″), then add the seam allowance back (½″) — giving you a 6½″ cut piece.
Resizing Square Blocks
Add ½″ to your finished block measurement. For a 4″ finished square, cut a 4½″ square of fabric.
Resizing Rectangular Blocks
Add ½″ to both the length and width. To double a 3″ × 4″ block, cut a 6½″ × 8½″ rectangle.
Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks
Add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished HST block, cut 4⅞″ squares.
Resizing Quarter Square Triangle Blocks
Add 1¼″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished block, cut 5¼″ squares.
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