A method of forming a ceramic matrix composite airfoil includes forming a fibrous ceramic preform by laying up a plurality of plies to form a hollow core cavity, overwrapping the plurality of plies of the core cavity with a first overwrap layer, weaving together a tows of first free portion and tows of a second free portion of the first overwrap layer to form a cross brace, overwrapping the plurality of plies of the core cavity and the first overwrap layer with a second overwrap layer, and consolidating the first free portion and the second free portion of the first overwrap layer and a third free portion and a fourth free portion of the second overwrap layer to form a trailing edge.