- Background (muslin)
- Light (faded chambray)
- Dark (indigo)
Block No. 54 · four-patch
Maypole Quilt Block
Also known as Maypole Dance
Part of: Four Patch Quilt BlocksPinwheel Quilt BlocksHalf Square Triangle Quilt BlocksQuilt Blocks For Beginners
Maypole Dance turns four strip-and-triangle units around a central meeting point. This traditional block is different from modern whole-quilt designs sold under the shorter name Maypole.
Version note: The CSV's Maypole is interpreted as the traditional Maypole Dance block, not a modern full-quilt pattern.
- Level
- Confident Beginner
- Grid
- 4 × 4
- Pieces
- 16
Chart
Cutting for a 12" block
4 × 4 grid. All cuts fall on 1/8" ruler marks. Unfinished block: 12 1/2".
| Fabric | Shape | Cut | Size | Then | Pieces used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background | Square | 4 | 3 1/2" square | Use as cut | 4 |
| Background | Half-square triangle | 2 | 3 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 4 |
| Light | Half-square triangle | 2 | 3 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 4 |
| Dark | Rectangle | 4 | 3 1/2" × 6 1/2" | Use as cut | 4 |
Method
Piecing steps
Step 1: Subcut the HST parent squares once diagonally as listed in the chart. Sew contrasting triangles along their long edges and square each small unit to 3 1/2", keeping the diagonal centered.
Step 2: Sew a background square beside each light/background HST, with the light triangle at the upper-right of that pair.
Step 3: Add a dark rectangle above each pair to make a 6 1/2" quadrant. Make four identical quadrants.
Step 4: Rotate successive quadrants a quarter turn. Join the top and bottom pairs, then match the center and sew the final seam.
Step 5: Join the sections with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, matching the marked intersections. Press and check the unfinished block measures 12 1/2" square.