Old Maid’s Puzzle – February 2021

The first block for February 2021 is the Old Maid’s Puzzle.  There are different variations of this block.  This version was published in the Kansas City Star on December 22, 1928.  Some variations use just Half Square Triangles, and only two colors.  I like this version with the contrasting big triangles.

The block will finish at 12″ x 12″ (12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ unfinished).

You can use multiple colors, or do with three colors, this would be a good scrap buster.  The instructions are for 3 colors, White, red, and Black. 

Fabric Cutting

Assembly

Step 1  – creating Half Square Triangles (HST)

You will need to create a total of 6 HST.  You can make them all the same, or make them each different.  You could use the leftover HST from the Envelope Motif block if you used the different colored corners.

You will be doing one set of each of the Two-at-a-time HST and Four-at-a-time HSTs, to get a total of 6 HST.

If you want to do sets of two matching, just do the Two-at-a-time 3 times using 3 sets of 4”x4” squares.

“Two at a time” – HST Method

Using the piece 4 of both colors.

Draw a line diagonally down the middle of the lighter color fabric.  Stitch 1/4″ on both sides of line. 

Cut down the centerline, creating 2 HST.

If you want to have sets of different HST, you can repeat the “Two-at-a-time” method using sets of 4” x 4” squares.

“Four at a time” – HST Method

Using Piece 3 of both colors. 
Place the front sides together.

Stitch 1/4″ along all four sides of square (red line is stitching)

Cut Diagonally from Corner to corner both directions (purple lines)

This will create the Four HST.

You now have a total of 6 HST. You will need to square up all 6 HST to 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″.

Step 2 – Creating 4 patches

Using two of Piece 2 (3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ black squares) and two HST created in Step 1.

Layout the blocks in the following format. 

Sew the set of 4 pieces together.

Repeat for a second set.

Press seams, square up the blocks to 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″.

Step 3 – two Triangles

Using 2 HST created in step 1, and two piece 2 (3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″).

Cut two piece 5 i(3 ⅞” x 3 ⅞”) in half diagonally, creating 4 triangles.

Layout a HST and two triangles in the following pattern.

Fold the right triangle inwards, making sure to align them together, like the picture below..  (the point of the black triangle will hang down a little from the red.  Make sure that you line up the black and black.

Sew the lower right side (see picture)

Press towards the black triangle.

Lay the pieces back out, to make sure you are sewing the correct sides together.

Fold the left piece towards the HST, again matching the black pieces together

Press seams towards the black.

You have created the triangle.  Next trim off the “dog ears” at the point of the red.

Repeat Step 3 to create a second triangle.

Step 4  – Two blocks

Using the two triangles created in Step 3, and Piece 1 (white 6 7/8″ x 6 7/8″)

Cut the piece 1 (white) in half diagonally creating 2 triangles.

Using one two color triangle and one white triangle, lay the right sides together, stitch along the long side.

Sew 1/4″ seam, to create a square, watching the point of the red, to make sure you do not lose your point when sewing the pieces together.

Press seams towards the white, as it has less seams and lays smoother.

Repeat for a second square.

Square up both squares to 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″.

Assembly

Lay the four blocks out alternating the two types of blocks.

Sew together, and press seams.

You have completed the Old Maid’s Puzzle, the first block of February 2021.

I look forward to seeing all your wonderful blocks!  Make sure to post on the Facebook group!  Remember to add the hashtag #OldMaidsPuzzle.

Click here for the PDF of the instuctions.

Here are some other options for colors and variations. Using 3 sets of 2 HST different ways.