Das Filter Blog
How to Roll a Cross Joint, Step by Step
Quick answer: A cross joint is two joints joined in a cross. Roll a long main joint with a tip, and a shorter joint with no tip. Push a thin skewer through the main joint about a third of the way down from the far end, widen the hole, slide the short joint through it, and seal both joins with small strips of rolling paper. Light the three outer ends, then draw from the tip.
It's a showpiece roll, best known from the movie Pineapple Express. It's not more efficient than a regular joint, and it uses more flower. People roll it for the fun of it.
What you need
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| One king size paper | The main joint, the one you hold and draw from |
| One 1 1/4 paper (or a second king size) | The crossbar |
| One spare paper | Cut into thin strips to seal the joins |
| A filter tip | For the main joint's mouth end. An 8mm Big Boy suits king size. |
| A skewer, toothpick or paper clip | To make the hole |
| Ground flower | About as much as a king size joint plus a 1 1/4 joint |
For a sense of how much that is, our joints-per-eighth guide and the paper and tip size calculator give typical fills for each paper size.
Step 1: Roll the main joint
Roll a regular king size joint with a tip at one end. Make it firm and even, a little tighter than you normally would. A loose main joint tears or collapses when you make the hole. If you need a refresher, see how to roll a joint and how to roll a joint with a filter tip.
Step 2: Roll the crossbar
Roll a second, shorter joint with no tip. Twist both ends closed. Keep it a little thinner than the main joint so it fits through without tearing it.
Before you move on, poke a small hole through the middle of the crossbar with the skewer. That middle section ends up inside the main joint, and the opening lets smoke from the crossbar's ends pass into it. Without it, the side ends often won't draw.
Step 3: Make the hole
- Pick a spot about a third of the way down from the far (lit) end of the main joint. Too close to the tip and the cross burns down to your mouthpiece fast; too close to the end and the crossbar has nothing to sit in.
- Push the skewer straight through the joint from one side to the other.
- Wiggle it gently to widen the hole a little at a time. Stop when the hole is just smaller than the crossbar. A snug fit seals better.
Step 4: Slide the crossbar through
Push the crossbar through the hole until it sticks out evenly on both sides, with its pierced middle sitting inside the main joint. If it snags, widen the hole a touch more rather than forcing it.
Step 5: Seal the joins
Cut two thin strips from the spare paper. Wrap one around each spot where the crossbar meets the main joint, lick the gum or dampen it lightly, and press it flat. This closes the gaps so you draw smoke through the ends instead of air through the hole.
Step 6: Light all three ends
Toast the main joint's far end and both crossbar ends with the flame, turning the cross so each end catches evenly. Once all three are glowing, draw gently from the tip. A friend holding a second lighter makes this easier. Once the crossbar burns down to the join, the rest smokes like a normal joint. More on getting an even burn in how to light a joint.
Common problems
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Main joint tore at the hole | Rolled too loose, or hole made too fast | Roll firmer and widen the hole in small steps |
| No draw from the crossbar | Joins leaking, or no opening in the crossbar's middle | Seal both joins; pierce the crossbar's middle before inserting it |
| One end burns faster | Uneven lighting or packing | Rotate while lighting; see why does my joint canoe |
| Crossbar slides out | Hole too big | Seal it with a paper strip on each side |
Do you need a tip?
Only the main joint gets one. A tip gives you something firm to hold while you pierce and seal, and keeps the mouth end open. If you'd rather skip it, see how to roll a joint without a filter. Rolling over a tray or mat helps too, because the hole step drops bits of flower.
New to the basics? Start with how to roll a joint, then come back for the cross. If you want a sturdy base for the king size main joint, our Big Boy 8mm tips fit it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cross joint?
Two joints joined in a cross: a long main joint with a mouthpiece, and a shorter joint pushed through a hole in it. You light the three outer ends and draw from the mouthpiece, so smoke from all three ends reaches you.
What papers do you need for a cross joint?
Most people use a king size paper for the main joint and a 1 1/4 for the crossbar. Two king size papers work too. You'll also want a spare paper to cut into strips for sealing the joins.
How do you make the hole in a cross joint?
Push a thin skewer, toothpick or straightened paper clip straight through the main joint, then widen the hole slowly until it's just big enough for the crossbar to slide through snugly.
Why won't my cross joint draw?
Usually the joins leak or the crossbar has no opening in its middle. Seal both joins with strips of paper, and pierce the middle of the crossbar before you slide it in so smoke from its ends can pass into the main joint.
Is a cross joint hard to roll?
It's harder than a regular joint mostly because of the hole and the seals. If you can roll two firm, even joints, you can make one. Expect the first one to take a few tries.
Products are for adults 21+.
