Jacob’s Ladder Free Quilt Pattern

Jacob’s Ladder: A Classic Quilt Block

The Jacob's Ladder quilt block is a quintessential element in the quilting world, celebrated for its geometric simplicity and versatility. This block consists of a series of half-square triangle pieces arranged to create a ladder-like visual effect, effectively combining squares and triangles in a way that creates depth and movement.

The Jacob's Ladder quilt block is a timeless and simple design that has captivated quilters for centuries. This pattern dates back to before the Revolutionary War, making it a cherished piece of quilt history. Named after the biblical story of Jacob's dream in which he saw a ladder stretching to heaven, this quilt block symbolizes dreams, aspirations, and the journey to reach them.

The beauty of the Jacob's Ladder block lies in its versatility and ease of construction. Composed of squares and triangles, it allows quilters to mix and match colors and fabrics to create stunning visual effects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced quilter, this classic pattern offers endless possibilities for creativity and expression.

How to Make a Jacob’s Ladder Quilt

In the upcoming sections, we will provide detailed instructions on how to create a beautiful Jacob’s Ladder Quilt. From selecting the right fabrics to piecing together the blocks and finally assembling the quilt top, we will guide you through each step of the process. For more details and diagrams you can download this free Jacob’s Ladder pattern as a PDF to print or keep in your own files. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting out, this tutorial will help you unleash your creativity and achieve stunning results. Let's dive in and bring this classic quilt block to life!

Fabric Requirements

This quilt pattern includes directions for three different-sized quilts: Baby (45” X 45”), Throw (60” X 75”), and Twin (75” X 90”). You will need nine fat quarters or five half yards for a Baby-sized quilt. You will need twenty fat quarters or ten half yards for a Throw-sized quilt. You will need thirty fat quarters or fifteen half yards for a Twin-sized quilt. For details about binding and backing requirements, you can download the pattern.

You can create your very own Jacob’s Ladder quilt using these exact fabrics for a beautiful and unique project. Be sure to explore our Cozy Autumn bundle, currently in stock at the store featuring ten beautiful fabrics from various designers.

Cutting Instructions

As mentioned above, you can use Fat Quarters or Half Yards for this quilting project. See the sections below for cutting requirements and guidance on maximizing your fabric. For detailed cutting diagrams, you can download the pattern.

Fat Quarters

When using Fat Quarters cut the following pieces from each:

• six - 5“ X 5”
• twelve - 2½” X 2½”
• two - 2” X 15”
• two - 2” X 12½”

When using Fat Quarters follow these cutting directions:

• Cut two 2” strips of a short side
  • Sub-cut two 2” X 15½” pieces
• Cut one 2½” strip off a long side
  • Sub-cut six 2½” squares
• Cut one 2½” strip off a short side
  • Sub-cut six 2½“ squares
• Cut two 5” strips off a short side
  • Sub-cut six 5” squares
• Cut two 2” strips of a short side
  • Sub-cut two 2” X 12½” pieces

Half Yards

When using Half Yards cut the following pieces from each:

• twelve - 5“ X 5”
• twenty-four - 2½” X 2½”
• four - 2” X 15”
• four - 2” X 12½”

When using Fat Quarters follow these cutting directions:

• Cut four 2” strips of a short side
  • Sub-cut four 2” X 15½” pieces
• Cut one 2½” strip off a long side
  • Sub-cut twelve 2½” squares
• Cut two 2½” strips off a short side
  • Sub-cut twelve 2½“ squares
• Cut four 5” strips off a short side
  • Sub-cut twelve 5” squares
• Cut four 2” strips of a short side
  • Sub-cut four 2” X 12½” pieces

Block Assembly

The following section will explain how to construct the Jacob’s Ladded block, starting with Half Square Triangles, and ending with the borders. For detailed diagrams download the pattern.

Half Square Triangles

1. Choose four 4” squares of the same fabric and label them as Fabric A. Choose four more 4” squares of a second fabric and label them as Fabric B.
2. Mark a diagonal line from corner to corner on the wrong side of each Fabric A 4” square.
3. Lay each Fabric A 4” square on top of a Fabric B 4” square, right sides together, and pin in place. 
4. Sew a line ¼” away on either side of the diagonal line.
5. Cut along the line and press open. 
6. Repeat to make six Fabric A/Fabric B Half Square Triangles total. 
7. Trim each Half Square Triangle to 3½” square.

Checker Block Assembly

1. Sew a Fabric A 2½” square and a Fabric B 2½” square into pairs, and press seams.
2. Repeat Step 1 to create six pairs total.
3. Sew two of the units created in Steps 1 & 2 together to create a Checker Block, and press seams.

Ladder Assembly

1. Sew two Fabric A/Fabric B Half Square Triangles and one Checker Block into a row, taking note of their order and directions, and press seams.
2. Repeat Step 1 to create two rows total.
3. Sew one Fabric A/Fabric B Half Square Triangle, one Checker Block, and a second Fabric A/Fabric B Half Square Triangle into a row, taking note of their order and directions, and press seams.
4. Combine the three rows created in Steps 1-3 to create a ladder block taking note of their order and directions, and press seams.

Border Assembly

1. Choose a third fabric for the borders and label it Fabric C.
2. Sew 2” X 12½“ Fabric C pieces to the left and right of the block, and press seams.
3. Sew 2” X 15” Fabric C pieces to the top and bottom of the block, and press seams. 

Top Assembly

This section will instruct you on how to combine your Jacob’s Ladder blocks to create a finished quilt top in your desired size. For diagrams of each size option, you can download the pattern.

Baby Jacob’s Ladder Quilt Top

1. Repeat the Block Assembly section to create nine Jacob’s Ladder blocks in total.
2. Sew three blocks together to create a row. Repeat to create three rows in total.
3. Sew the three rows together to complete the quilt top.

Throw Jacob’s Ladder Quilt Top

1. Repeat the Block Assembly section to create twenty Jacob’s Ladder blocks in total.
2. Sew four blocks together to create a row. Repeat to create five rows in total.
3. Sew the five rows together to complete the quilt top.

Twin Jacob’s Ladder Quilt Top

1. Repeat the Block Assembly section to create thirty Jacob’s Ladder blocks in total.
2. Sew five blocks together to create a row. Repeat to create six rows in total.
3. Sew the six rows together to complete the quilt top.

Jacob’s Ladder Free Quilt Pattern

We hope you thoroughly enjoy this complimentary quilt pattern and have a wonderful time creating your quilt masterpiece. Regardless of your level of quilting experience, this pattern offers a fun and delightful project to show off your creative spirit. Download the free pattern today and begin crafting your extraordinary Jacob’s Ladder quilt!

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