Hot Cross Buns Quilt is a charming patchwork project that mimics the look of the traditional spiced Easter bun, complete with a cross on each square. It’s a perfect way to use up fabric scraps and create a festive table runner, wall hanging, or lap quilt. This recipe-style guide walks you through cutting, piecing, and quilting your own hot cross buns quilt, with clear instructions and practical tips for a successful make.
Ingredients
- 1 fat quarter (18″ x 22″) of tan or light brown fabric for the bun tops (or 1/4 yard)
- 1 fat quarter (18″ x 22″) of white or cream fabric for the crosses (or 1/4 yard)
- 1/2 yard (0.5 m) of background fabric (e.g., soft yellow or pastel) for the sashing and borders
- 1/3 yard (0.3 m) of dark brown fabric for the bun bases (or use the same tan fabric)
- 1/4 yard (0.25 m) of binding fabric (contrasting color)
- 1/2 yard (0.5 m) of backing fabric (or a fat quarter if making a small wall hanging)
- Batting: crib size (45″ x 60″) or smaller, depending on your project
- Thread to match
- Rotary cutter, ruler, cutting mat, sewing machine, iron
Instructions
- Cut the fabric: From the tan/light brown fabric, cut 12 squares measuring 4.5″ x 4.5″ (for the bun tops). From the white/cream fabric, cut 12 strips measuring 1″ x 4.5″ for the vertical crosses and 12 strips 1″ x 4.5″ for the horizontal crosses (or cut 24 strips total). From the background fabric, cut 17 squares 4.5″ x 4.5″ for the sashing between buns, and 2 strips 2.5″ x 40″ for the borders (or adjust to your quilt size). From the dark brown fabric, cut 12 squares 2.5″ x 2.5″ for the bun bases.
- Create the bun tops: Take each 4.5″ tan square. Place one white strip vertically across the center, and one horizontally across the center, forming a cross. Pin in place. Sew a straight stitch along both edges of each strip, about 1/8″ from the edges. Repeat for all 12 squares. Press the seams flat.
- Assemble the bun blocks: For each bun, sew a dark brown 2.5″ square to the bottom of the tan square, right sides together, using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Press the seam toward the dark brown. This forms the base of the bun. Trim the block to 6.5″ x 6.5″ if needed (the tan square plus the brown base should measure 6.5″ tall).
- Lay out the quilt top: Arrange the 12 bun blocks in a grid of 3 rows by 4 columns. Place the background 4.5″ squares between the buns in a checkerboard pattern: for each row, place a background square between each bun, and also at the ends if you want a border effect. For a 3×4 grid, you will have 5 background squares per row (including ends), so 15 squares total, and 2 extra for the corners of the next row. Adjust to your preferred layout.
- Sew the rows: Sew the blocks together in each row, alternating bun and background squares, using a 1/4″ seam. Press seams in alternating directions for nesting. Then sew the rows together, matching seams. Press the entire quilt top.
- Add borders (optional): Sew the 2.5″ background strips to the sides of the quilt top, then trim to fit. Add top and bottom borders if desired.
- Layer and baste: Place the backing fabric right side down, then the batting, then the quilt top right side up. Smooth out wrinkles and pin or baste with safety pins or spray adhesive.
- Quilt: Using a walking foot, quilt along the seams of the crosses and around the buns, or use a simple stipple pattern. You can also tie the quilt with yarn at the intersections. Start from the center and work outward to avoid puckering.
- Bind the quilt: Cut binding strips 2.5″ wide from your binding fabric, sew them together to make a long strip, and fold in half lengthwise. Attach to the quilt edge, mitering corners, then fold over to the back and hand-stitch or machine-stitch in place.
- Finish: Give the quilt a final press and trim any loose threads. Your hot cross buns quilt is ready to display or gift!
Tips
- Fabric choice: Use quilting cotton for best results. If you want a more realistic look, choose a tan fabric with subtle speckles or texture. For the crosses, a crisp white works well, but you can also use a cream for a vintage feel.
- Seam allowance: Always use a consistent 1/4″ seam allowance. Test on scrap fabric first to ensure your machine is accurate.
- Pressing: Press seams open or to one side as directed, but always press, don’t iron back and forth, to avoid stretching fabric.
- Common mistake: Forgetting to account for seam allowance when cutting. Double-check your measurements and cut accurately to avoid blocks that don’t match.
Serving Suggestions
This quilt is perfect for draping over a sofa during spring, using as a table runner for Easter brunch, or hanging on a wall as festive decor. It also makes a thoughtful handmade gift for a new baby or a housewarming. Pair it with a set of matching napkins or a small table topper for a coordinated look.
Variations
- Color swap: Use pastel fabrics for the buns (pink, mint, or lavender) to create a modern Easter palette.
- Different cross style: Instead of strips, use bias tape or embroidery to create the crosses for a different texture.
- Add icing: Use white fabric paint or a fabric marker to draw a squiggly line across the top of each bun, mimicking icing.
- Make it bigger: Increase the number of blocks to make a larger throw quilt (e.g., 20 blocks for a 4×5 grid).
Storage and Reheating
Store your finished quilt in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. If it gets dusty, gently vacuum with a low-suction hand vacuum or shake it outside. For spot cleaning, use a mild detergent and cold water; do not machine wash unless you pre-washed your fabrics. To freshen it, you can tumble it in a dryer on air-fluff for 10 minutes, but avoid high heat. If you need to store it long-term, fold it with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a pre-cut charm pack? Yes, charm packs (5″ squares) can be used for the bun tops, but you’ll need to trim them to 4.5″ and adjust the cross strips accordingly. You’ll also need to cut the bases from other fabric.
How do I make sure my crosses are straight? Use a clear ruler to align the strips perfectly before pinning. You can also use a fabric marker to draw a line where the cross should go, then place the strip along that line.
What if I don’t have a walking foot? You can still quilt with a regular presser foot, but use a longer stitch length and go slowly. Alternatively, you can tie the quilt with embroidery floss at each intersection instead of machine quilting.
Can I make this quilt without batting? Yes, if you want a lighter quilt for summer, you can omit the batting and just use the top and backing. This is called a “quilt as you go� or a summer quilt.
How do I calculate how much fabric I need for a different size? Determine the number of blocks you want, each finishing at 6″ (since you start with 6.5″ and lose 0.5″ in seams). Multiply the number of blocks by the fabric needed per block (e.g., one 4.5″ square for the top, one 2.5″ square for the base, and two 1″ strips for the cross). Add extra for borders and binding.
Is it okay to machine wash the quilt? If you pre-washed all fabrics before cutting, you can machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and tumble dry on low. If not, hand washing is safer to avoid shrinking.
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