Jacob's Ladder is a larger block, featuring two diagonally-running patterns of light and dark. Comprised of nine blocks, this traditional design is made from strategically arranged right triangles and squares. Jacob's Ladder is a great block to work with, not only because it pieces so easily, but it has a great deal of creative possibilities for use of color as well as setting.

What does it measure?

This pattern makes a 13 1/2-inch Jacob's Ladder block.

Detailed Constructions Instructions

Jacob's Ladder is constructed from 8 right triangles and twenty squares. Typically, this block is constructed from a solid and two complimentary patterns of a dark and light value. The block may also be constructed from two solids and a print, just be sure to choose a dark and light fabric.

Constructing this block is a matter of four phases; cutting pieces, assembling squares, piecing rows and then the full block itself. Positioning is very important in a Jacob's Ladder block, so be sure to regularly compare your progress with images from this pattern.

Rotary cutting is the most convenient method for making this block's pieces.

• Cut 10 squares from a 2 3/4-inch strip of fabric A.
  
• Cut 10 squares from a 2 3/4-inch strip of fabric B.
  
• Cut 4 right triangles from a 5 3/8-inch strip of fabric A.
  
• Cut 4 right triangles from a 5 3/8-inch strip of fabric C.
  

With all your fabric cut, it's time to piece squares from them. Use a quarter inch seam for all stitching.

Place one fabric A triangle over a fabric C triangle with the right sides together, stitch and press. Repeat to form four triangle-pair squares. Place one fabric A square over a fabric B square with right sides together, stitch and press. Repeat using all remaining squares to form ten oblongs. Position two oblongs so that matching fabric squares are diagonal. Place one over the other, stitch and press. Repeat this step to form five four-patch squares.

Now that the squares are constructed, the three rows can be assembled. This is a simple process since rows 1 and 3 in a Jacob's Ladder block are exactly the same.

• Rows 1 and 3 : Place one four-patch square on either side of a triangle-pair square. Make certain both four-patches are positioned in the same manner. Place one four-patch over the triangle-pair square with right sides together and stitch. Repeat with the other four-patch square, stitching it to the opposite side of the triangle-pair square.
• Row 2 : Place one triangle-pair square on either side of a four-patch square. Place one triangle-pair square over the four-patch with right sides together and stitch. Repeat with the other triangle-pair square, stitching it to the opposite side of the four-patch square.
• Press all seams.

Assembling the rows is a very simple task. The only challenge is to keep a watchful eye on positioning.

• Place row 1 over row 2, right sides together and seams in alignment. Stitch.
• Place row 3 over row 2, right sides together and seams in alignment. Stitch.
• Press all seams.

What can I do with it?

Jacob's Ladder blocks work beautifully alongside solid blocks. While the solid fabric can showcase gentle floral or feather motifs, the checkerboard layout of Jacob's Ladders acts as a tumbling frame.

In this version, the blocks are worked up "in reverse". Dark fabrics are used for the traditionally white shapes, and white and a light shade of yellow are used for traditionally dark shapes. The effect is complimented by alternating Jacob's Ladder with blocks of diagonally placed squares. This design makes the most of the block's movement without using darker values so much that it becomes overpowering.

More for you to think about

Jacob's Ladder may also be used in a medallion setting. In this example, the blocks are surrounded by solid blocks and simple sashing. The outer fabric compliments colors used in Jacob's Ladder, while the center design draws the eye.

Jacob's Ladder also works beautifully in an on-point setting. Center blocks are placed on the diagonal and surrounded by side and corner setting triangles. The center design is then framed by sashing and blocks set horizontally. This layout demonstrates the versatility of Jacob's Ladder block beautifully.

Related : More Free Block Patterns