September 01, 2002     September, 2002

BLOCK 9, Jacob's Ladder

Block 9 in the Sampler #101 quilt is another simple block that is quite traditional and should go together rather quickly. 

Block 9 is constructed using two fabrics:  Fabrics D and F.  

It is important to sew with a scant 1/4" (just short of 1/4") seam allowance so that your unfinished block measures 12.5" x 12.5", however, it is even more important to be consistent in your seams.  So, be sure to sew this block with the same seam allowance that you used in the construction of Blocks 1 through 8.

Since this is a sampler that is teaching some of you new techniques, remember that blocks shall get more complicated as we advance through the year, however, the blocks will not become so complicated that you won't be able to do them.  Just follow the instructions, and if you run into a problem, join in on the discussion board on the forum and feel free to ask questions!

Cutting Requirements
Quantity Fabric Size
2 Squares D 5.5" x  5.5"
2 Squares F 5.5" x  5.5"
1 Strip D 2.5" x  30"
1 Strip F 2.5" x  30"

INSTRUCTIONS

     This block is constructed as one large 9-patch, but as you can see, the components of the 9-patch are four simple Half-Square Triangles (HST) and five 4-patches.  So, before we can assemble this as a 9-patch, we must first make the smaller units, beginning with the 4-patches. 

  1. First, to make the 5 small 4-patches.  Using the 2.5" strip from D and the 2.5" strip from F, sew them together, as shown below, into one long strip:

  2. Cut the long strip in step 1 into segments that are 2.5" wide.  You need a total of 10 segments, as shown below:

  3. Next, using the 10 segments made in step 2, sew them together into five 4-patches, as shown below.  Be careful of the placement of the colors.
     
    +

    =

    You should end up with five of these, each measuring 4.5" x 4.5".

  4. Next, to make the HST.  Using 1 of the D squares and 1 of the F squares, lay them right sides together, then lightly draw a line across the wrong side of one of the squares, across the diagonal.  Then, sew a scant 1/4" on each side of the drawn diagonal line.  For more information regarding making HST, refer to the HST Tutorial.  Repeat this for the remaining D and F squares.

  5. Carefully cut down the middle of the sewn lines, right down the diagonal.  This yields 4 HST.

  6. Press each HST flat, then trim each one to 4.5".  There should be a total of 4 HST, as shown below:

  7. Next, using the five 4-patches and four HST, lay them out and sew them into rows as shown:
    + +

    + +

    + +

    These three rows, when sewn, should be pressed flat in opposite directions.  They should look like this:




  8. Sew the three rows together into the block pictured in step 9.

  9. Press the finished block flat.  It should measure 12.5" x 12.5" and look similar to this:


The quilt below is a sample of using Block 9 alone, repeated 16 times.  See the diagonal paths formed?  This is a very striking quilt!  

Try rotating the blocks for different patterns.

The quilt below uses all 9 blocks made so far:

Congratulations on completing Block 9.  We're getting close to finishing our Sampler Quilt!

For more information, please contact quilting@quiltingpassion.com

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