Traditional pattern, public domain. Published in various quilting periodicals from the early 1900s.
A playful block inspired by the children's string game, composed of half-square triangles arranged to create interlocking angular shapes resembling the string patterns formed between fingers. The block generates complex woven effects when tiled.
Cat's Cradle appeared in quilting pattern collections in the early 1900s, named after the ancient string game played between two people's hands. The quilt block captures the angular, interlocking quality of the string figures. It was published in multiple newspaper quilt columns during the 1920s-1940s.
The cat's cradle string game is found in cultures worldwide and has been played for centuries. In American quilting, the name connected the geometric block to childhood play and domestic life. The block was popular among quilters who enjoyed the puzzle-like quality of arranging triangles to create the illusion of woven strings.
Also known as: Cat and Mice, Puss in Boots
finished Block Size
12 inches
seam Allowance
1/4 inch
grid Basis
4x4 grid (each unit 3 inches finished)
units Required
12 half-square triangle units, 4 plain squares
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Fabric A (crimson) | 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 inches | 3 | Cut once diagonally for 6 crimson triangles |
| A | Fabric B (green) | 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 inches | 3 | Cut once diagonally for 6 green triangles |
| A | Background | 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 inches | 6 | Cut once diagonally for 12 background triangles |
| B | Background | 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches | 4 | Plain corner/filler squares |
Pair each crimson triangle with a background triangle along the long edge. Sew with a 1/4 inch seam. Press toward the crimson and trim to 3 1/2 inches square. Make 6 crimson/background HST units.
Tip: Use the two-at-a-time method for speed and accuracy.
Pair each green triangle with a background triangle. Sew, press toward the green, and trim to 3 1/2 inches square. Make 6 green/background HST units.
Lay out in a 4x4 grid following the Cat's Cradle pattern: the crimson and green HSTs alternate in a pattern that creates two interlocking angular frames, with background squares filling in to complete the grid. Row 1: bg square, crimson HST (SW), green HST (SE), bg square. Row 2: green HST (NE), crimson HST (NW), green HST (SW), crimson HST (SE). Row 3: crimson HST (SE), green HST (NE), crimson HST (NW), green HST (SW). Row 4: bg square, green HST (NW), crimson HST (NE), bg square.
Sew each row of 4 units together. Press seams in Rows 1 and 3 to the left, Rows 2 and 4 to the right for nesting.
Join all four rows in order, pinning at every seam intersection. Press joining seams in one direction. The block should measure 12 1/2 inches square.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Edge to edge, straight set — 5x5 blocks for a 60 x 60 inch quilt with stunning interlocking secondary patterns
With narrow 1-inch sashing to define each block individually
Four blocks rotated to create a large central medallion