Jacob's Ladder Block

11 Apr 2007 11:02 PM
All patterns on this page are an original design, unless other-wise noted.

This block is the first block of 13 featured in the 2007 Quilting Passion
"Surpassing Life's Challenges" Quilt.

INSTRUCTIONS:

This pattern is a very traditional, old pattern that is usually made from two (2) different colors, however you can mix it up any way you want!

Cut two (2) strips of fabric, one from each of your colors (referred hereafter in these instructions as "dark" and "light") the width of the fabric (WOF) by 2.5". It is important that each strip measures exactly 2.5" wide. Refer to Diagram 1 on the right.

Sew these two (2) strips together with a scant 1/4" seam, lengthwise, so that you end up with one piece of fabric. Refer to Diagram 2 on the right.

Cut the fabric piece sewn in step 2 into 2.5" segments, as shown in Diagram 3 on the right. You should be able to cut approximately 16 or 17 segments, however, for a single block, you only need 10 segments.

Flip every other segment upside down so that you have five (5) pairs, as illustrated in Diagram 4 on the right.

Sew these five (5) pairs together into four-patches so that you have units that measure 4.5" x 4.5" each, as shown in Diagram 5. Once all of the pairs are sewn, you should have five (5) four-patches.

Next, we are going to make the Half-Square Triangles (HST). Cut two (2) 5" squares from the dark fabric and also cut two (2) 5" squares from the light.

On the wrong side of the light fabrics, use a ruler and marker (an ink pen is fine because it will not be seen) and draw a diagonal line from one corner to the other, as shown (in black) in Diagram 6.

Place a light square on top of a dark square, right sides together with the light square on top (so that you are able to see the drawn diagonal line), and sew a scant 1/4" on each side of the drawn line. The red lines in Diagram 7 indicate the sewn lines.

Repeat step 8 with the other pair of squares. You should now have two (2) sets of these sewn 5" squares.

Cut each of the two (2) sets of 5" squares down the drawn, black line. Once cut, this will make two (2) HST from each 5" square, with a total of four (4) HST when they are all cut. Refer to Diagram 8 at the right.

Press each HST so that the seam goes toward the dark fabric.

The HST made in step 10 are oversized so that you some breathing room, but it is now time to trim them down to exactly 4.5" x 4.5". Use the diagonal seam with your acrylic ruler as your cutting guide to keep it cut square.

Check point: You should have four (4) HST pieces and five (5) four-patches.

Lay all nine (9) block pieces out as illustrated in Diagram 9 and sew each of the three rows together. Press the top and bottom rows so that they go in the same direction.

Next, sew all three rows together, as shown in Diagram 10. It should be easier to line up the matching points because the rows are pressed opposite of the one being attached to it. This method of pressing allows the rows to "snug" together when sewing.

Once all the rows are sewn together, as shown in Diagram 11, press the block flat, then trim the block to 12 1/2" x 12 1/2"

View the finished blocks that have been submitted and/or refer to the sample quilts below, showing different layout possibilities for this block!

"Jacob's Ladder" measures 12.5" x 12.5", unfinished, 12" x 12" finished. It is a very simple pieced block that looks much harder than it actually is! There are many varieties of settings using this single block, and when paired with other blocks, the design possibilities are virtually unlimited.

The members of the Quilting Passion Forum voted to include this block in a forum project that I began in early 2007, called "Surpassing Life's Challenges". I aptly named this project because I refuse to simply "meet" life's challenges; my objective is to "surpass" them. I invite you to join me in doing so!

DIAGRAMS