This hot cross buns quilt pattern is a scrappy, beginner-friendly block that mimics the look of the classic spiced Easter bun—a golden square topped with a white cross. The pattern uses simple squares and strips, making it perfect for using up fabric scraps while creating a cheerful, bakery-inspired quilt. It works well for wall hangings, table runners, or baby quilts, and the block comes together quickly with accurate cutting and pressing.
Ingredients
- 1 fat quarter (18″ × 22″ / 46 × 56 cm) of tan or golden fabric for the “bun” squares (or scraps totaling 1/2 yard / 0.5 m)
- 1/4 yard (23 cm) of white or cream fabric for the “cross” strips
- 1/3 yard (30 cm) of contrasting fabric for the sashing (optional, for a quilt top)
- 1/2 yard (46 cm) of backing fabric (for a small wall hanging or table runner)
- 1/2 yard (46 cm) of batting (cotton or cotton/poly blend)
- Matching thread
- Rotary cutter, cutting mat, and acrylic ruler
- Quilting ruler (6″ × 24″ / 15 × 60 cm recommended)
- Fabric marking pencil or chalk
- Iron and pressing surface
- Sewing machine with a 1/4-inch foot (optional but helpful)
- Straight pins or clips
Instructions
- Cut the bun squares: From the tan/golden fabric, cut four 8.5″ × 8.5″ (21.5 cm × 21.5 cm) squares. These will be the main blocks. If you are making a larger quilt, multiply the number of squares accordingly (each block finishes at 8″ × 8″ / 20 × 20 cm).
- Cut the cross strips: From the white/cream fabric, cut four 1.5″ × 8.5″ (3.8 cm × 21.5 cm) strips and four 1.5″ × 8.5″ (3.8 cm × 21.5 cm) strips. These will form the cross on each block. For a more delicate cross, use 1″ (2.5 cm) strips instead.
- Arrange the cross: Place one bun square on your cutting mat. Lay one white strip vertically down the center of the square, and another horizontally across the center, forming a cross. The strips should extend beyond the edges of the square—this is intentional. Pin them in place.
- Sew the cross: Using a 1/4-inch (6 mm) seam allowance, sew the vertical strip to the square, starting from the top edge and sewing down to the bottom edge. Repeat for the horizontal strip. Use a walking foot if you have one to prevent shifting.
- Trim the excess: After sewing, flip the block over and trim the excess strip fabric flush with the edges of the bun square. Use your rotary cutter and ruler for a clean edge. The block should now measure 8.5″ × 8.5″ (21.5 cm × 21.5 cm) again.
- Press the seams: Press the seams toward the white strips (or open, if you prefer a flatter finish). This helps reduce bulk.
- Repeat for all blocks: Make as many blocks as you need for your desired quilt size. For a small wall hanging, four blocks (2×2) make a 16″ × 16″ (40 × 40 cm) top. For a baby quilt, use twelve blocks (3×4) to make a 24″ × 32″ (61 × 81 cm) top.
- Add sashing (optional): If you want separation between the buns, cut sashing strips 2.5″ (6.4 cm) wide and the length of your blocks (8.5″ / 21.5 cm). Sew sashing between rows and columns, then add a border if desired.
- Layer the quilt: Place the backing fabric right side down, then the batting, then your quilt top right side up. Smooth out wrinkles and pin or baste the layers together.
- Quilt the layers: Quilt as desired—simple straight lines along the seams, or free-motion quilting in the bun squares. A walking foot helps for straight-line quilting. Start from the center and work outward to avoid puckering.
- Bind the edges: Cut binding strips 2.5″ (6.4 cm) wide from a coordinating fabric. Sew them to the quilt edges, mitering corners, then fold over and hand-stitch or machine-stitch the binding down.
- Add a hanging sleeve (optional): For a wall hanging, sew a 4″ (10 cm) fabric tube to the top back edge before binding, so you can insert a dowel.
Tips
- Use a scant 1/4-inch seam: A slightly narrower seam (about 1/16 inch less) ensures your blocks stay at 8.5″ square after trimming. Test on a scrap piece first.
- Press, don’t iron: Pressing (lifting the iron up and down) rather than sliding it prevents stretching the bias edges of the cross strips.
- Choose high-contrast fabrics: The cross needs to stand out. A white or cream fabric works best against a tan or golden bun. Avoid busy prints that obscure the cross shape.
- Trim carefully: After sewing the cross, measure the block before trimming to ensure it’s exactly 8.5″ × 8.5″. If it’s slightly off, adjust your seam allowance on the next block.
Serving Suggestions
This quilt pattern is versatile. Use it to make a festive table runner for Easter brunch, a wall hanging for spring, or a cozy baby quilt. The finished blocks also make lovely placemats (one block per mat) or a cheerful kitchen valance. Pair it with a simple quilting design, like diagonal lines, to echo the cross motif.
Variations
- Color swap: Use a deep brown or chocolate fabric for a richer “bun” color, or pastel pink for a strawberry bun look.
- Add a glaze: Instead of a plain cross, sew a slightly wider white strip and then quilt a wavy line over it to resemble icing drips.
- Make it modern: Use a solid white cross on a low-volume print background, and quilt with a geometric pattern.
- Mini version: Cut the bun squares at 4.5″ (11.4 cm) and the cross strips at 1″ (2.5 cm) wide for a miniature quilt or mug rug.
Storage and Reheating
Store your finished quilt in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Fold it loosely with acid-free tissue paper to avoid crease lines. If you need to wash it, use cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. To “reheat” a wrinkled quilt, you can lightly press it with a steam iron on a low setting, but avoid ironing directly over any quilting that might flatten. For long-term storage, place it in a cotton pillowcase rather than plastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the finished size of one block? Each block finishes at 8″ × 8″ (20 × 20 cm) after sewing, with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. The cutting size is 8.5″ × 8.5″ (21.5 cm).
Can I make this quilt entirely by hand? Yes, you can hand-sew the blocks and quilt with a running stitch. It will take longer, but the pattern is simple enough for hand piecing. Use a smaller needle and a thimble for comfort.
How much fabric do I need for a full-size quilt? For a twin-size quilt (about 68″ × 86″ / 173 × 218 cm), you would need approximately 90 blocks. That requires about 5 yards (4.6 m) of tan fabric for the buns and 2 yards (1.8 m) of white for the crosses, plus backing and batting. Always buy a little extra to account for cutting errors.
Why are my cross strips not aligning perfectly? This usually happens because the strips are not pinned evenly or the fabric shifts while sewing. Always pin at the center and edges, and use a walking foot if possible. Also, press the strips flat before trimming.
Can I use precut fabric like charm packs? Yes, a charm pack of 5″ squares would work if you cut them down to 4.5″ squares for mini blocks. You would need to adjust the cross strip size accordingly (use 1″ wide strips).
What is the best batting for a wall hanging? A thin cotton or cotton/poly blend batting is ideal because it drapes nicely and doesn’t add too much bulk. You can also use a fusible fleece for a stiffer wall hanging.
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