How to create a cross from 1 part?

[Appelmoes]

Okay, probably my subject-title isn't very clear but I don't know how to put it (English is not my native language).

But I hope I can make clear with a sample what I mean.

I want to create like something on the left. I now did this with several lines. But when I enlarge the thickness of the lines I see that the 'corners' show 'gaps'. How can I create like something on the left from 1 piece, so if I enlarge the thickness it won't show those 'gaps'.

 

[Larry G. Schneider]

Try selecting all the parts of the cross and Cmd (Ctrl)-J. It should join the lines as a closed path.

[Doug A Roberts · Accepted solution]

Quickest way is probably to draw a rectangle, copy it, paste in place, rotate 90 degrees and then use Pathfinder > Unite:

[jdanek]

I agree with Larry.  Close the Paths.

[Ton Frederiks]

I agree with Larry too, but make sure that the anchor points are aligned.

[Kurt Gold]

I agree with anyone and anything.

Just in case there is some reason to make the cross with separate line segments, you may use projecting caps (see Stroke palette).

[Jacob Bugge]

Appelmoes,

I agree with Doug.

If you have a model shape, you can rotate that from cross to plus and create the first rectangle over that.

Otherwise, when you have rotated the two rectangles you can compare it to what you have or just see what you think of the shape; then unrotate and edit and rotate again until it is right.

And then you can unite.

As Ton said, your paths are unaligned, so I believe joining will give a funny look at the (non) corners.

[Appelmoes]

Thanks everybody for your help (and looking at some names (Jacob, Ton) I bet I also could have asked this in Dutch, haha.

So I tried what Larry suggested but then I got this result:

probably because I haven't got my anchor points alligned. I tried to do that, but I don't have enough knowledge to get that right. I know a lot about Photoshop, but when it comes to Illustrator, my knowledge is about 0,01%.

So then I tried what Doug suggested and that did the trick. So thank you all for your help.

[Ton Frederiks]

Good to hear that helped (for Jacob your name should have been Æblemos 🙂

[Jacob Bugge]

Appelmoes,

Recognizing the distinct form of your name, I was tempted to answer in Dutch; but I was able to restrain myself.

My first thought was Apple mush, and then what Ton said; but the closest equivalent must be Äppelmos.

[Ton Frederiks]

I stand corrected, Jacob, Äppelmos would have been the right translation of the Dutch appelmoes.

[Larry G. Schneider]

American English would be apple sauce.

[Jacob Bugge]

There is nothing wrong with æblemos, Ton, I just wondered which word(ing) would be closest in spelling and sound; and for the latter I believe Apfelmus may be the closest.