Jacobs Ladder 4 Patch Quilt Block

The Jacobs ladder 4 patch quilt block pattern is an old favorite with many quilters.

It is a very simple quilt block but the end result can be quite stunning.

The Jacobs ladder 4 patch quilt block uses half square triangles.

This block uses a four patch grid pattern.

The units are 3” each.

The Jacobs Ladder quilt block can also be done with a nine patch grid.

To complete one block for a sampler quilt:

Materials:
Fat quarters in 3 colors
(tan, red, blue)
Batting
Backing

Step 1 - Use the rotary cutting techniques.

Cut 1 unit 4” square from the blue and tan fabric.
Cut 1 strip 2” x 9” from the red and tan fabric.

Step 2 - Sew the red and tan strips rights sides together.

Step 3 - Sub-cut the sewn strip into 2” units.

Step 4 - Sew the sub-cut units together rotating the placement of the red and tan fabric as shown in the example to complete the unit.

Step 5 - Use the half square triangle method.

Place one 4” square of blue fabric and one 4” square of the tan fabric, right sides together. Draw a line on the diagonal on the lighter fabric from one corner to the opposite corner. Stitch ¼” on each side of the marked line.

Fold open the square and press the seam allowances toward the darker fabric. Using your plastic ruler, trim the square to be 3”. Be sure to use the 45 degree angle on your ruler.

This will give you two half square triangles 3” each.

Step 6 - Sew row one, half square triangle, four patch unit.

Step 7 - Sew row two, four patch unit, half square triangle.

And that is it! How easy can that be? I personally think the Jacob’s ladder quilt block is a more intense block when it is done with the four patch grid. Here is a nice companion block that would compliment your "ladder" very nicely.

Go to Quick and Easy Quilting Ideas from Jacobs Ladder 4 Patch Quilt Block