Traditional pattern, public domain. Documented in Ladies Art Company catalog, late 1800s.
A beloved autumn-inspired block that uses half-square triangles and squares to create the silhouette of a maple leaf with a narrow stem strip. The asymmetrical design adds visual interest when blocks are rotated in a quilt layout.
The Maple Leaf block emerged in the mid-1800s across the northeastern United States and Canada, where maple trees were abundant. It appeared in the Ladies Art Company catalog and became especially popular in New England and Canadian quilting traditions.
The maple leaf has long been a symbol of autumn harvest and the changing seasons. In Canada, the block gained additional patriotic significance. Quilters often made Maple Leaf quilts as gifts to mark the fall season or to celebrate Canadian heritage.
Also known as: Autumn Leaf, Tea Leaf, Magnolia Leaf
finished Block Size
12 inches
seam Allowance
1/4 inch
grid Basis
3x3 grid (each unit 4 inches finished)
units Required
3 half-square triangle units, 5 squares, 1 stem rectangle
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Leaf | 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 inches | 3 | Cut once diagonally for HST units |
| A | Background | 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 inches | 3 | Cut once diagonally for HST units |
| B | Leaf | 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 2 | — |
| C | Background | 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 3 | — |
| D | Background | 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 1 | Stem background rectangle |
| E | Stem | 1 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 1 | Stem strip |
Pair each leaf triangle with a background triangle, right sides together. Sew along the long diagonal edge with a 1/4 inch seam. Press seams toward the darker fabric. Trim each HST unit to 4 1/2 inches square. Make 3 HST units.
Tip: For greater accuracy, draw the diagonal line on the lighter square before cutting and use the draw-two-at-a-time method.
Sew the 1 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch stem strip to the 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch background rectangle along the long edge. Press toward the stem. The resulting unit should measure 4 1/2 inches square (3 x 4 1/2 with seam).
Tip: Use a scant 1/4 inch seam to keep the unit at 4 1/2 inches after pressing.
Lay out the 9 units in a 3x3 grid. Row 1: HST (leaf upper-left), leaf square, HST (leaf upper-right). Row 2: leaf square, HST (leaf lower-left), background square. Row 3: background square, stem unit, background square. Ensure all HSTs are oriented correctly to form the leaf shape.
Sew the three units in each row together with 1/4 inch seams. Press seams in Row 1 and Row 3 to the left, and Row 2 seams to the right, so seams will nest when joining rows.
Pin Row 1 to Row 2, nesting seams at intersections. Sew with a 1/4 inch seam and press. Then pin and sew Row 3 to the bottom. Press the final seams downward. The finished block should measure 12 1/2 inches square (including seam allowances).
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Straight set with sashing — 4x5 blocks with 2-inch sashing for a 58 x 72 inch throw
On-point setting with alternating plain blocks for a 60 x 80 inch quilt
Rotating blocks in all four orientations to create a wreath-like secondary pattern