Traditional pattern, public domain. Named for Sir Walter Scott's 1810 poem; block documented from mid-1800s.
A dramatic block composed almost entirely of half-square triangles in graduated sizes, creating a strong diagonal movement. Named for the Sir Walter Scott poem, this block is a showcase for precise triangle piecing.
Lady of the Lake takes its name from Sir Walter Scott's popular 1810 narrative poem set in the Scottish Highlands. The quilt block appeared in the mid-1800s when Scott's works were widely read in America. The diagonal movement of the triangles may suggest the rippling surface of the lake in the poem.
Literary-named quilt blocks were common in 19th-century America, reflecting the importance of literature in everyday culture. Sir Walter Scott was enormously popular, and his works inspired several quilt block names. Lady of the Lake became a test of skill — the many small triangles require precise cutting and sewing to achieve clean points.
Also known as: Young Man's Fancy (variation), Lad and Lassies
finished Block Size
12 inches
seam Allowance
1/4 inch
grid Basis
Divided into two large triangular halves, each filled with smaller HST units
units Required
1 large HST (6-inch finished) + 12 small HSTs (2-inch finished) + 2 small squares
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Dark | 6 7/8 x 6 7/8 inches | 1 | Cut once diagonally for 1 large triangle (use 1, save 1) |
| A | Background | 6 7/8 x 6 7/8 inches | 1 | Cut once diagonally for 1 large triangle (use 1, save 1) |
| B | Dark | 2 7/8 x 2 7/8 inches | 6 | Cut once diagonally for 12 small dark triangles |
| B | Background | 2 7/8 x 2 7/8 inches | 6 | Cut once diagonally for 12 small background triangles |
| C | Medium | 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches | 2 | Small accent squares |
Sew the large dark triangle to the large background triangle along the long edge with a 1/4 inch seam. Press toward the dark. Trim to 6 1/2 inches square. This forms the center diagonal of the block.
Tip: Handle the bias edges gently — spray starch the triangles before sewing to stabilize them.
Pair each small dark triangle with a small background triangle. Sew along the long edge with a 1/4 inch seam. Press toward the dark and trim to 2 1/2 inches square. Make 12 small HST units.
Tip: Chain-piece all 12 pairs for efficiency, then batch-trim using a small square ruler.
Arrange the small HSTs into two triangular sections that will attach to the large HST. Section 1 (upper-left): arrange 6 small HSTs and 1 medium square in a right triangle shape (row of 1, row of 2, row of 3 from the corner). Section 2 (lower-right): mirror arrangement with 6 small HSTs and 1 medium square. All small HSTs should have dark triangles pointing in the same diagonal direction.
For each section, sew units into diagonal rows, then join rows. Press seams in alternating directions row by row for nesting. Each completed triangular section should fit along one side of the large HST.
Sew Section 1 to the background side of the large HST. Sew Section 2 to the dark side. Press seams toward the large HST. Trim the completed block to 12 1/2 inches square.
Verify that all small triangle points are sharp and evenly spaced. Use a 12 1/2 inch square ruler to true up the block, making sure the large diagonal seam runs exactly from corner to corner.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Straight set, rotating blocks 90 degrees — 4x5 blocks for a 48 x 60 inch throw with zigzag secondary pattern
All blocks oriented the same way for a strong diagonal movement across the quilt
Four blocks rotated to create a central pinwheel, surrounded by a border