The Lady of the Lake quilt block pattern is traditionally made with two fabrics and looks lovely with a solid or small print fabric with scraps for the second fabric. It is made from two sizes of half-square triangles, also known as HSTs. For more information about HSTs, we’ve got a great article that has seven (7) ways to make HSTs.
This is a traditional American quilt pattern, found often in quilts dating back to the 1800s.
For this tutorial, I used two solid fabrics to make it easier for you to see the steps to make the Lady of the Lake block. Here is the basic block:
As you can see, this quilt block is made from two sizes of half-square triangles. If you want to get lots of practice making half-square triangles, this is a perfect block for you.
Here are cutting directions for the Lady of the Lake quilt block in four sizes:
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Here are step-by-step instructions for making a single block the Lady of the Lake quilt block:
How to Make the Lady of the Lake Quilt Block
Learn how to make the Lady of the Lake quilt block with these step-by-step directions. The block has one large half-square triangle surrounded by sixteen (16) smaller half-square triangles.
Materials
- Fat quarter or 1/4 yard each of two fabrics. For a scrappy look, select one solid fabric and use scraps of prints for the second fabric.
- Coordinating thread for sewing
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Pressing surface or ironing board
- Removable fabric marker
Instructions
- Start by cutting squares as outlined above for the finished size quilt block you'd like. I made 10-inch finished quilt blocks, so cut my smaller squares at 2-7/8 inch and the larger square at 6-7/8 inch.
- To make the half square triangles, refer to our article on 7 ways to make half-square triangles.
I've chosen to make them two-at-a-time. I find that my preferred method. Begin my marking a diagonal line on the wrong side of one of the fabrics with a removable fabric marker. I used a Frixion pen that comes out with the heat of an iron.
- Here is my pile of squares with the diagonal lines drawn.
- Take one of each of the squares and layer them two with right sides together and the marked diagonal line up. Begin sewing 1/4-inch from one side of the drawn line.
- TIP: Sew them in the "chain method" to make it quicker.
- When they are all sewn, turn the 'chain' around and sew 1/4 inch from the other side of the draw line.
- When you have completed sewing on both side of the marked line on the smaller squares, then do the same on the large square.
- Cut along the drawn line to make the half-square triangle.
- I made four finished Lady of the Lake quilt blocks. Here are my blocks all cut apart and ready for pressing.
- Press the seam to your preference. I like to press this seam open. For more information on pressing seams, see our article with tips for pressing seams in quilting.
- Take the time to trim the pressed blocks. This is worth the time. Trim off the 'dog ears' (the triangle ends at the diagonal seam) and make sure that the block measures exactly 2-1/2 inches (or whatever the finished half square triangle size should be).
- Now we're ready to start sewing together the sides made from the smaller half-square triangles. These are sometimes referred to as the 'sawtooth rows'. You can see I'll want two sets of three (3) HSTs, and two sets of five (5) HSTs to finish the quilt block.
- I started by sewing sixteen (16) sets of two of the smaller triangle-squares with right sides together and a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Then, I took six (6) of the sets and added one half square triangle to make them sets of three (3) for the side units. Be careful on the positioning of the light and dark fabrics! Follow the quilt block layout! (Ask me how I know! I did some unsewing!)
- Next, sew two sets of two (2) half square triangles together to make strips of four (4) half square triangles.
- Then, add the fifth half square triangle for the top and bottom strips.
- Press the seams. Then lay out the strips with the center larger half square triangle. Oops - I need to do some unsewing!
Here is a correct layout for sewing the strips to the center. - Sew the sides to the center first. Press the seams.
- Sew the top and bottom strips to the quilt block.
- Here are four finished blocks sewn together.
Have fun with different layouts for the Lady of the Lady quilt block. Here is a 4 x 4 layout:
How did this block get its name?
I did a little research on the legend of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake. According to Arthurian legends, the Lady of the Lake was an enchantress of the lake around Avalon. She is famous for giving King Arthur the magical sword, Excalibur. Maybe all of the sharp edges on this quilt block depict the edges on the magical sword? Who knows – but it’s a good story!
Ideas for making Lady of the Lake blocks:
Try different fabric combinations! Solid colors, try one of the fabrics as an ombre for a different effect. If you are using prints, try using one with a large print and one with a small print.
Natural white fabric helps set off the other fabric. Organic linen can be used for a natural look.
These beautiful blocks are fun to make and perfect for intermediate quilters who are ready to perfect their HSTs.
Browse through more free half-square triangle quilt patterns on Create Whimsy.
