Assemble the Jacob's Ladder Quilt Block
Make the Four Patch Units
- Sew the 2-1/2" x 26" light and dark strip together lengthwise. Press seam allowance towards the darker strip. The strip set you just made should measure 4-1/2" x 26" along its entire length.
- Square up one end of the strip with your rotary equipment. Starting at the squared-up edge, cut ten 2-1/2" wide segments from the strip.
Square-up the leading edge again if necessary to cut accurate segments. Square up strip with the same method used to square up fabric before cutting long strips. You have one extra inch to play with as you cut segments; trim off only what's necessary.
- Sew two segments together as shown in the drawing to make a four-patch unit. Lights and darks will be adjacent to each other.
- Press the seam allowance either direction. The four-patch unit should measure 4-1/2" square.
- Make four more four-patch units from the strip pieced segments. Set aside.
Make the Half-Square Triangle Units
Pair a light 4-7/8" square with a dark square of the same size using the easy sandwich method for half square triangles. When complete, each of your four half-square triangle units should measure 4-1/2" square.
Sew Quilt Block Rows Together
- Arrange the units into three rows as shown above. Pay close attention to the position of lights and darks in all units.
- Sew the components of each row together. Press seams towards the four patch units.
- Sew the rows together, butting seams carefully so that units match at intersections. Compare your quilt block to the drawing on page one to make sure it is sewn correctly.
- Your block should measure 12-1/2" square.
