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Maple Leaf quilt block

Maple Leaf Quilt Block: Pattern Tutorial and Cutting-Size Guide

Learn how the Maple Leaf quilt block fits together, compare published finished sizes and stem methods, and follow practical steps for HSTs, layout, and assembly.

By ThatPainter Team 3 min read
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The Maple Leaf quilt block is a three-by-three patchwork layout made from four half-square triangles (HSTs), solid squares, and a stem unit at the bottom center. To make one, choose a finished size and follow one pattern’s cutting chart from start to finish: published charts and stem methods differ, so their measurements should not be mixed.

Choose a Maple Leaf block size and stem method

Finished size is the block’s measurement after it is sewn into a quilt. The block is larger while being pieced: Scissortail Quilting specifies an unfinished size one-half inch larger than the finished size, so its 10-inch finished block measures 10.5 inches before it is joined to other blocks.

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Pattern Finished size(s) Stem method Useful distinction
Scissortail Quilting Company 6, 9, 10, 12, or 15 inches Stem is formed within the pieced block Uses two contrasting fabrics; specifies a quarter-inch seam and 2.0 mm stitch length.
Lethbridge Quilters Guild 6, 9, or 12 inches Pieced stem strip between background triangles Provides separate instructions for three block sizes.
Diary of a Quilter 6, 9, or 12 inches Pieced stem strip between background triangles Builds HSTs from larger squares and trims them to the tutorial’s target size. Modified September 4, 2026.
American Patchwork & Quilting / AllPeopleQuilt 9 inches Appliquéd rectangle Uses a 1-by-5-inch stem rectangle on a 3.5-inch square.

These are distinct patterns, not interchangeable size charts. Pick the finished size, stem construction, and chart that suit your project, then use that source’s cutting and trimming measurements throughout. The strip-insert stem uses a third fabric if you want the stem distinct from both leaf and background; an appliquéd stem can use a matching or contrasting fabric.

Gather fabric and optional tools

Use quilting cotton in a leaf color and a background color with enough contrast for the leaf shape to read clearly. A separate stem color is optional for the pieced-strip variation. You will also need sewing thread; the AllPeopleQuilt appliqué instructions recommend thread that matches the fabric.

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  • A quilting ruler helps trim HSTs and square the stem unit accurately.
  • A rotary cutter is useful for diagonal cuts, but scissors can also be used carefully.
  • Use the seam allowance and stitch settings specified by your chosen pattern; quarter-inch seams are used in the reviewed instructions.

Make the four half-square triangles

HST cutting dimensions vary by pattern and finished size. Follow the selected chart for the starting-square dimensions and the final HST trim size rather than substituting numbers from another tutorial.

  1. Pair leaf and background squares as directed by the chart. On the wrong side of one square in each pair, mark a diagonal from corner to corner.
  2. Sew a quarter-inch seam on both sides of the marked diagonal.
  3. Cut on the marked line to separate each pair into two triangle units. Press the seams as the pattern directs.
  4. Square and trim the HSTs to the target measurement in that pattern. Check that the seam intersection remains intact and the unit has the required size before assembly.

Make the stem unit using the chosen construction

Pieced stem strip

In the Lethbridge Quilters Guild and Diary of a Quilter variations, the stem is a fabric strip set between two background triangles. Follow the chosen chart for the strip and background-square dimensions.

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Rank #2
Sale
BQ2 Pattern by Maple Island Quilts
  • Maple Island Quilts Bq2 pattern
  • Maple Island Quilts Bq2 pattern- quilt patterns from Maple Island Quilts are just a bit untraditional
  • There are bold looks and clean design lines that allow you to put your own look into the quilt through fabric selection, block rotations and placement
  • This design has you moving the center squares off center and cross the frames for more big quilt fun
  • Easy construction and borderless for an uptempo look
  1. Cut the background square diagonally as directed to make two triangles.
  2. Position the stem strip between the triangles, matching the orientation shown in the chosen pattern.
  3. Sew the pieces together with the stated seam allowance, press, and square the unit to the chart’s target dimensions.

Appliquéd stem rectangle

The AllPeopleQuilt version places a 1-by-5-inch rectangle on a 3.5-inch square for its 9-inch block. Position and attach the rectangle using that pattern’s appliqué instructions; do not substitute the pieced-stem chart’s measurements or construction sequence.

Lay out and assemble the block

Arrange the HSTs and solid squares in a three-row, three-column grid, with the leaf pointing upward and the stem unit at the lower center. The HSTs create the leaf’s angled sides; their orientation matters, so compare each unit with the selected pattern’s diagram before sewing.

Rank #3
Quilt in a Day Autumn Leaves Quilt Pattern
  • Create a fall wall hanging and coordinating table runner with this pattern
  • This package includes pattern; directions; illustrations;-yardage and cutting charts for a 42 by 42-inch wall hanging and two table runners measuring 20-1/2 by 41-inch and 20-1/2 by 52-inch as well as a 4-1/2in On Point Ruler
  • Designer: Eleanor Burns
  • Pattern only
  • Skill level: Easy
  1. Arrange the nine units in the intended leaf and background pattern, placing the stem in the bottom-center position.
  2. Sew the units across each row with the pattern’s seam allowance. Keep adjacent HSTs oriented as laid out.
  3. Join the rows, matching seams and corners carefully.
  4. Press the completed block and measure it against the selected pattern’s unfinished-size target.
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Check fit before joining blocks

A block that is too small or too large can make later rows difficult to align. Measure the unfinished block after pressing and compare it with the pattern’s target. If it is out of square, check the HST trim size, stem-unit dimensions, and seam allowance before making more blocks.

Quick Recap

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Maple Leaf Quilts: 12 Projects, 9 Triangle Techniques
Maple Leaf Quilts: 12 Projects, 9 Triangle Techniques
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$14.95
SaleBestseller No. 2
BQ2 Pattern by Maple Island Quilts
BQ2 Pattern by Maple Island Quilts
Maple Island Quilts Bq2 pattern; Easy construction and borderless for an uptempo look
$12.05
Bestseller No. 3
Quilt in a Day Autumn Leaves Quilt Pattern
Quilt in a Day Autumn Leaves Quilt Pattern
Create a fall wall hanging and coordinating table runner with this pattern; Designer: Eleanor Burns
$16.95
Best Value
HunnmingRe 20 Pcs 10''x10'' Fall Maple Leaves Quilting Fabric Squares
  • Colorful Maple Leaf Theme: impart life to your creations with our maple leaf fabric, each square is full of bright colors; The sewing fabric comes in a variety of colors and is printed with 20 different maple leaf patterns; You can mix and match the various patterns and colors according to your preferences; These lovely components will expand the possibilities of your crafts
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  • Easy to Modify and Customize: say goodbye to the tedious process of mending and customizing with our easy to work polyester fabric; These fabric squares for quilting are suitable for crafts, DIY, sewing, purses, patchwork, quilting, and other sewing projects; You can use them to make holiday decorations, or to create anything you can think of, like doll clothes, pillows, quilts, and clothes
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Acrylic Quilting & Craft Template, Maple Leaf | for Use with 10” Precut Fabric Squares | Essential Patchwork Quilt Supplies for Cutting Patterns, Sewing, and DIY Blanket Making Projects
  • FALL THEMED NESTING TEMPLATES: The Maple Leaf Nesting Template is perfect for adding seasonal motifs to quilts, home decor, and more! This template includes 2 sizes for versatile crafting: The Large Maple Leaf Template measures 8.5" x 8", ideal for standout appliqué pieces. The Small Maple Leaf Template measures 3.5” x 4”, perfect for smaller accents and details.

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