Cat’s Cradle
It is almost the definition of a traditional block, and using bold fabrics it can be so very modern! I absolutely love working with the Cat’s cradle quilt block. It is most commonly known as Old Maid’s Puzzle, but actually, that is just its reversed color version block. In the video you can watch a full tutorial on making that beautiful quilt block.
Cutting instructions for the Cat's Cradle quilt block
This is another pretty straightforward block, in case of cutting your pieces. Just squares made into half square triangles.
Always be careful of the colors you are choosing. They can easily mess up your block (or quilt) or on the contrary, make it shine! I prefer to make a test block before cutting pieces for the whole quilt. It makes me more confident to continue and make the whole thing.
And always remember FINISHED SIZE means the size it will be in a completed quilt. The measurements given already have the ¼ inch allowance included.
Finished Block SIze
*SQ = Square/Squares
Cut 3 sq from Dark fabric & Light Fabric
Cut 3 sq from Dark fabric
6 inches
2-7/8 inches
2.5 inches
9 inches
3-7/8 inches
3.5 inches
12 inches
4-7/8 inches
4.5 inches
Names of the quilt block
Tennessee, Double pyramid, Double X, Jacks on six, Kindergarten block, Old Maid’s puzzle, Three and six
#REFERENCE: Maggie Malone “5500 Quilt Blocks Designs”
Block Variations
The one exact variation of this block is made by using the colors reversed. This is the famous Old Maid’s Puzzle block. You can make it using the same tutorial, just when cutting your fabrics, reverse the colors. It is actually the same block, but with different names. The other variations use different fabrics and include some rotating or different placement of the units of the block.
Video tutorial of the Cat's Cradle quilt block
I hope you will enjoy this video tutorial on how to make the CAT’S CRADLE quilt block and don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more quilt blocks!
Have you made this block using our tutorial?
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Modern quilts by Zafiro Vaxevanidou
Zarkadia Quilting Co. is a home-based company that focuses on making special and unique quilts that hug and caress. Quilts are love, tenderness, warmth and cure. Enjoy and be inspired by this art form and know yourself in the process.
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