Sweet Stitches of Affection: How to Sew with X's and O's Prints in Quilts and Home Decor
Some prints say a lot with very little. The Love You Always XOs Cream Cotton from Riley Blake Designs is one of them. Designed by Sandy Gervais for the Love You Always collection, this quilting cotton features scattered X's and O's across a soft cream background — the classic shorthand for hugs and kisses, turned into a fabric you can sew with all year long. At 43"/44" wide and 100% cotton, it is sold by the yard.
What Makes This Print Special
A scattered layout is one of the most forgiving patterns a quilter can choose. Because the X's and O's are tossed rather than arranged in strict rows, there is no directional right side up to worry about, and no repeat to match at the seams. Cut pieces can be turned any way you like, which means less waste and less fuss when piecing. The cream background keeps the print light and neutral, so it reads as a gentle texture from a distance and reveals its sweet message up close.
Used in larger cuts, it becomes a focal print full of charm. Cut into small squares or strips, it behaves like a blender, adding interest next to bolder fabrics without competing with them.
Best Uses for X's and O's Fabric
The product description notes that Love You Always is great for quilting, apparel, and home decor, and this print fits all three beautifully. For quilts, try it in:
- Baby and nursery quilts, where the hugs-and-kisses theme is a natural fit and the cream palette suits soft color schemes.
- Valentine's Day quilts and table runners, paired with reds, pinks, and other prints from the Love You Always collection.
- Background and alternate blocks, where a low-volume print gives the eye a place to rest between stronger blocks.
- Sashing, borders, and binding, where the scattered motif adds a little love along the edges of a finished quilt.
Beyond quilts, this cotton is lovely for pillowcases, throw pillow covers, fabric gift bags, and simple apparel accents. A set of pillowcases in X's and O's makes a thoughtful handmade gift for weddings, anniversaries, and new babies.
Cutting and Piecing Tips
Press the fabric before cutting, and use a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler for clean, accurate pieces. Because the print is non-directional, you can nest your cuts efficiently and use smaller pieces in charm squares, strips, or scrap-friendly blocks like four-patches and nine-patches. The small scattered motif hides seams well, so it is a friendly choice for beginners learning to keep a consistent quarter-inch seam allowance.
When piecing, the cream background helps you see your stitching line clearly. Press seams to the side or open according to your pattern, and enjoy how the little X's and O's dance across the finished block.
Color Pairing Ideas
Cream pairs happily with almost everything. For a romantic look, combine this print with rose, burgundy, and blush tones. For a fresh nursery palette, add soft aqua, butter yellow, and pale gray. For everyday quilts, mix it with other Love You Always coordinates by Sandy Gervais so the colors and scale harmonize, then add a solid or small-scale check to balance the set.
Care Instructions
Follow the manufacturer's guidance for this fabric: machine wash cold and tumble dry low. Washing in cold water helps preserve the print, and removing items promptly from the dryer keeps them smooth. With that easy care, pieces made from this cotton are practical for everyday use, not just special occasions.
A Little Love in Every Stitch
Whether you are making a Valentine quilt, a welcome-home baby gift, or pillowcases for someone dear, a print covered in hugs and kisses carries your message in every seam. Choose a yardage that suits your pattern, cut with confidence thanks to the scattered design, and let this sweet Sandy Gervais print do the talking.
Shop the Love You Always XOs Cream Cotton 43"/44" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
