Traditional pattern, public domain. Published in the Kansas City Star and other Depression-era newspapers.
An elegant block built from half-square triangles arranged to form a central star or diamond motif framed by contrasting corner and side units. The pattern creates a striking secondary design when blocks are tiled together.
Grandmother's Choice was widely published during the 1920s-1930s in newspaper quilt columns, including the Kansas City Star. It became one of many blocks named with familial affection, honoring the wisdom and skill of elder quilters who passed their craft to younger generations.
During the Great Depression, newspaper quilt columns were a primary source of free patterns for quilters. Blocks named after family members — Grandmother's Choice, Grandmother's Flower Garden, Grandmother's Fan — reflected the deep intergenerational bonds in quilting culture. The pattern was especially popular in Midwestern states.
Also known as: Grandmother's Favorite, Mother's Choice
finished Block Size
12 inches
seam Allowance
1/4 inch
grid Basis
3x3 grid (each unit 4 inches finished)
units Required
8 half-square triangle units, 1 center square
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Dark | 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 inches | 2 | Cut once diagonally for 4 dark HST triangles |
| A | Accent | 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 inches | 2 | Cut once diagonally for 4 accent HST triangles |
| A | Background | 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 inches | 4 | Cut once diagonally for 8 background triangles |
| B | Dark | 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 1 | Center square |
Pair each dark triangle with a background triangle along the long edge. Sew with a 1/4 inch seam. Press toward the dark fabric and trim to 4 1/2 inches square. Make 4 dark/background HST units.
Tip: Use the two-at-a-time HST method for speed and accuracy.
Pair each accent (gold) triangle with a background triangle. Sew, press toward the accent, and trim to 4 1/2 inches square. Make 4 accent/background HST units.
Lay out in a 3x3 grid. Place dark HSTs in the four corners with dark triangles pointing toward the center. Place accent HSTs on the four sides (top, bottom, left, right) with accent triangles pointing outward. Place the dark center square in the middle.
Sew the three units in each row together with 1/4 inch seams. Press seams in Rows 1 and 3 toward the corner HSTs. Press seams in Row 2 toward the center square.
Join the rows, nesting seams at intersections. Press the row-joining seams away from the center. The block should measure 12 1/2 inches square including seam allowances.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Straight set, edge to edge — 5x6 blocks for a 60 x 72 inch throw with strong secondary patterns
Alternating with plain setting squares in the accent fabric color for a framed effect
On-point with sashing for a formal, structured quilt