Old Maid's Puzzle

Sometimes a block has many names and this is one of them. It was called Old Maid's Puzzle in the American Farmer's Magazine in ladies section called “The Farm House” when it was published in 1895. Other names include Jacks on Six, Double X, Three and Six, Cat's Cradle, Kindergarten Block.

For a two color 12 inch finished block you will need:
From a background (green) cut three 4 7/8 inch squares and three 4 1/2 inch squares
From a second color, contrasting to the first one, (yellow) cut three 4 7/8 inch squares

We will be making triangle squares for this block. (Triangle squares, diagonal half squares, or half square triangles. They are all the same thing, just different names.) You may use which ever method you like to make these, this is my favorite.

We will make two blue and white triangle squares first. Carefully draw a line corner to corner, (diagonally) through the white 4 7/8 inch squares. This will be a cutting line when you are finished. Place red and white 4 7/8 inch square right sides together. If you have a true 1/4 inch foot on your machine, you can sew on either side of the drawn line.

If not, you will have to draw a second line on either side, exactly 1/4 inch from the first line. They will be your sewing lines. After you have sewn on your sewing line, 1/4 inch on either side of your corner to corner to line, you will cut this square in half on the drawn cutting line. Clip off the corners as shown.

You will now have two triangle squares, which should measure exactly 4 1/2 inches.

Repeat with the remaining 4 7/8 inch squares, you need a total of six 4 1/2 inch triangle squares.

Make two units that look like this.

And one unit that looks like this.

Follow this diagram to put your Old Maid's Puzzle block together.
Your block should measure 12 1/2 inches which will be 12 inches when sewn in a quilt.

Here is a wall hanging I made with three color Old Maid's Puzzle blocks

Another variation of the block has a different color for the solid squares. The three color block goes together exactly the same way as the two color block. The only difference is your uncut squares are a different color or a third color.

For a three color 12 inch finished block you will need:
From a background (white) cut three 4 7/8 inch squares
From a medium or dark (blue) cut three 4 7/8 inch squares
From a third color (gold) cut three 4 1/2 inch squares

This pattern can be used for personal use only and can not be used commercially without the owner's permission. No copies may be made
without the owner's permission. This includes the patterns as well as any graphics and/or instructions that are associated with a pattern.
The content on these pages, including text and images are the sole property of the Delaware Quilts and may not be used in any manner without consent. All Rights Reserved. Old Maid's Puzzle © Delaware Quilts April 2008

Updated November 9, 2025

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