Traditional pattern, public domain. Published by the Ladies Art Company, catalog #76, circa 1890s.
A lively block composed entirely of half-square triangles arranged to create a dynamic pattern of opposing diagonal movements. When set in groups, the blocks produce complex interlocking chains and star-like secondary patterns.
Old Maid's Puzzle was published by the Ladies Art Company in their late 19th-century catalog and appears in many pattern collections from that era. It is one of many blocks that uses only half-square triangle units but achieves surprising visual complexity through arrangement.
The name reflects the social attitudes of the Victorian era. Quilters often gave playful or wry names to their blocks. Despite the dated name, the block itself is a masterclass in the versatility of the half-square triangle — the single most useful unit in quilting. It remains popular with modern quilters who appreciate its graphic quality.
Also known as: Fox and Geese, Double X, Old Maid's Ramble
finished Block Size
12 inches
seam Allowance
1/4 inch
grid Basis
4x4 grid (each unit 3 inches finished)
units Required
16 half-square triangle units
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Dark A (red) | 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 inches | 4 | Cut once diagonally for 8 red triangles |
| A | Dark B (blue) | 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 inches | 4 | Cut once diagonally for 8 blue triangles |
| A | Background | 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 inches | 8 | Cut once diagonally for 16 background triangles |
Pair each red triangle with a background triangle. Sew along the long edge with a 1/4 inch seam. Press toward the red and trim to 3 1/2 inches square. Make 8 red/background HST units.
Tip: Use the two-at-a-time method: layer squares right sides together, mark diagonal, sew on both sides, and cut apart.
Pair each blue triangle with a background triangle. Sew, press toward the blue, and trim to 3 1/2 inches square. Make 8 blue/background HST units.
Lay out all 16 HSTs in a 4x4 grid following the Old Maid's Puzzle arrangement: Row 1: red NW, red NE, blue NW, blue SW. Row 2: red SW, red SE, blue SE, blue NW. Row 3: blue NE, blue NW, red NE, red NW. Row 4: blue SE, blue NE, red SW, red SE. (NW/NE/SW/SE indicates which corner holds the colored triangle.)
Sew each row of 4 HSTs together. Press seams in Rows 1 and 3 to the left, and Rows 2 and 4 to the right, so seams will nest.
Join rows in order from top to bottom, pinning at every seam intersection. Press row seams in one direction. The block should measure 12 1/2 inches square.
Stand back and verify the pattern reads correctly — you should see opposing diagonal movements forming an X or cross shape with the two colors. Adjust any flipped HSTs before the seams are fully pressed.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Straight set, edge to edge — 5x5 blocks for a 60 x 60 inch square quilt with complex secondary patterns
Straight set with 1-inch sashing to separate and define each block
Alternating red-dominant and blue-dominant blocks in a checkerboard arrangement