Easy to Piece Quilt Block - Jacobs Ladder
Inspired by the Bible, the Jacobs Ladder quilt block was commonly chosen by women who read their Bible each day. The name comes from the scripture Genesis 28: 11-22.
Jacobs Ladder is a nine patch quilt block and one of my favorite patchwork designs for a quilt. There are many variations of this pattern that are still done today.
A simple light and dark design, as pictured in the picture at left gives the block an old fashioned feel. Today's quilters get quite creative in color combination and a variety of ways to display the blocks.
Image Credit: The Jacob's Ladder Block: A Classic for Today's Quilts (Building Block Series)
product page.
Jacobs Ladder is a nine patch quilt block and one of my favorite patchwork designs for a quilt. There are many variations of this pattern that are still done today.
A simple light and dark design, as pictured in the picture at left gives the block an old fashioned feel. Today's quilters get quite creative in color combination and a variety of ways to display the blocks.
Image Credit: The Jacob's Ladder Block: A Classic for Today's Quilts (Building Block Series)
product page.Traditional Quilt Patterns Include The Jacobs Ladder Block
If you love to patch your quilt top in traditional patterns such as the Jacobs Ladder Block, you will most assuredly love this book of traditional patterns.
Patchwork Persuasion: Creative Possibilities from Traditional Quilt Blocks
Amazon Price: $14.50 (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $25.95
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Jacob's Ladder Quilt Block - A Brief History
This block is a popular and early quilt pattern for patchwork quilt designs. You rarely find a pattern with only one name. Jacob's Ladder is also sometimes called "Road to California" and "Stepping Stones" among a few other names.
Typically, the oldest versions of this quilt block are done in two colors. A dark color for the design and a lighter color for the background of the block.
One can also see this pattern referred to as "The Underground Railroad" block. Quilt historian, Barbara Brackman, can point to no examples of this quilt pattern being used in pre-civil war times. It is believed as early historians began to write about patterns they romanticized about the origins in their writings.
Typically, the oldest versions of this quilt block are done in two colors. A dark color for the design and a lighter color for the background of the block.
One can also see this pattern referred to as "The Underground Railroad" block. Quilt historian, Barbara Brackman, can point to no examples of this quilt pattern being used in pre-civil war times. It is believed as early historians began to write about patterns they romanticized about the origins in their writings.
Jacobs Ladder - Brief Overview
Jacob's Ladder is a good choice for the beginner due to it's ease of piecing together. There are only two templates to use. A small square cut in pieces of dark and light and a triangle shape also cut in pieces of the dark and light fabric called half square triangles.The block is called a nine patch because 9 patches are made to complete the block. There are 5 patches that are made with a combination of the small squares in dark and light. Four patches are made with half square triangles in dark and light. Three rows are formed and then sewn together to complete the block.
The sample at the right shows a finished Jacob's Ladder Quilt with six blocks across and eight blocks down with a nice border on the edges.
A nice website to visit for how to instructions is located at Patterns From History
Cutting fabric for your Quilt Blocks
In the days of the past, quilters had to cut each piece for the quilt block by hand. Using the template for each piece, they would trace the template in pencil on the back of the fabric. With her trusty scissors, she would then cut every single piece from the fabric before she could begin to sew.Technology is a wonderful thing! Today's quilters generally use the Rotary Cutting method, saving much time and energy.
Image is from personal graphic collection.
Basics of Rotary Cutting
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Rotary Cutter Great Tool
Whether using the Jacobs Ladder Quilt Block pattern or any other design, you need to cut the pieces out. Using a rotary cutter makes this task much easier.
Fiskars 95447097 Softgrip 65mm Rotary Cutter
Amazon Price: $13.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $27.30
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"And he dreamed and behold a ladder set up on the earth and the top of it reached the heavens and behold the angels of God were ascending and descending on it."
Genesis 28:11-22
Cutting Mat Saves Your Tabletop
When using a rotary cutter or scissors to cut your quilt block pieces, a cutting mat helps save the surface of your work table. A self-healing one like below is a good choice.
X-Acto X7761 Self-healing cutting mat, nonslip bottom, 1 grid, 12-Inch by 18-Inch board with 11-Inch by 17-Inch measuring surface, gray
Amazon Price: $11.67 (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $20.99
Usually ships in 2-3 business days
Let's Talk Patchwork
Do you have a favorite Quilt Pattern?
Yes, let me share it with you.
RenaissanceWoman2010 says:
I love many quilt patterns. My first favorite was the double wedding ring pattern.
wordstock says:
I like the dresden plate but have not made one yet.
ElizabethJeanAllen says:
I love the log cabin quilts.
poutine says:
Yes, I like an original idea, not seen anywhere else.
gods_grace_notes says:
I hail from the great state of Ohio, so I really enjoy the Ohio Star.
Nope, Quilting is not my thing.
LindaJM says:
Honestly, I'm not much of a quilter... but I do LOVE them!
ulla_hennig says:
I didn't know anything about quilts up to now!
BarbRad says:
I'm just not a needlework person. But I appreciate the beauty that others create.
Every Quilt Needs Batting
There are many choices of batting for your Jacobs Ladder Quilt, or any quilt for that matter. I'm fond of the traditional loft battings like the one shown below.
Simplicity Traditional Loft Batting-Queen 96 Inch X108 Inch
Amazon Price: (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $9.39
Purchase An Already Made Jacobs Ladder Quilt
If making your own quilt with the Jacobs Ladder Quilt Pattern is more than you would like to tackle, you can purchase one already made at the popular auction site eBay.
Take A Break From Quilting And Do A Jigsaw Puzzle With Quilts
Jeri Landers The Quilting Show Circuit 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Amazon Price: $12.81 (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price:
Usually ships in 24 hours
Looking For A Good Sewing Machine For Your Quilting And Sewing Needs?
Perhaps this review will help
- Review of the Brother CS6000I Computerized Sewing Machine | DIY Do It Yourself Reviews
- Free arm computerized sewing machine review for the Brother CS600I perfect as a quilting machine and any sewing needs.
Quilt Block Comment Wall
Let me know you stopped by to visit. Share your favorite quilt pattern with us.
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rnhealthinfo
May 12, 2012 @ 8:50 am | delete
- My mom loves quilting, I'm on a 'quest' to find an article she'd love! Your lens is lovely and I appreciate the history of this pattern, my mom has done this one and I'll share it with her. xoxo
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ShellB
Jun 1, 2011 @ 12:18 am | delete
- A beautiful quilt pattern!
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Ladymermaid
May 28, 2011 @ 10:15 am | delete
- I really do admire those who quilt there is so much work and artistry that goes into these creations. Best of wishes.
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Apr 7, 2011 @ 8:18 am | delete
- Really interesting lens. Lovely pattern. Thanks for teaching me the history of this pattern. :-)
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wordstock Jan 16, 2011 @ 11:10 pm | delete
- This seems simple enough and I do want to do The Road to California. Great info.
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ElizabethJeanAllen
Mar 30, 2010 @ 7:55 pm | delete
- I make a lot of baby quilts but lately I've stuck to the basic square. I need to add some variety. I've never tried the Jacob's Ladder. I would be an interesting change of pace.
Thanks for sharing.
Lizzy
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Kalvin
Dec 8, 2009 @ 10:49 am | delete
- Nice information, keep it coming some good things learned here, thanks twin over full bunk bed
http://www.twinoverfullbunkbed.info
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HorseAndPony
Nov 9, 2009 @ 9:41 pm | delete
- I love the pattern and my daughter would like to make her first quilt. This would be great for her. Thank you for the info. She will be so excited.
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gods_grace_notes Aug 20, 2009 @ 8:08 am | delete
- I love handmade quilts... your Jacob's Ladder in shades of gold is absolutely inspiring!
Great job on your lens,
Connie
: )
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mbgphoto Aug 5, 2009 @ 8:19 am | delete
- I'm not a quilter, but you made this interesting 5*
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Jacobs Ladder Quilt Block Copyright: April 9, 2009 by BevsPaper (Beverly Owens)
This So Crafty page written by
BevsPaper
Hello, my name is Bev and I love old quilts. One of my favorite patterns is the Jacobs Ladder Quilt.
Create something new! Show off your work! Time to get So Crafty!
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Quilting Beginners Will Find This Helpful
Basic Quilting: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started (How To Basics)
Amazon Price: $5.21 (as of 06/01/2012)
Quilting Frame To Quilt Jacobs Ladder Or Any Quilt
Grace Frame 3-Z44 Professional No Baste, Fabri-Fast Hand Quilting Frame - Plain
Amazon Price: $329.99 (as of 06/01/2012)
Quilting Needles Are A Must
when quitling Jacobs Ladder or any quilt top
Clover Black Gold Needles Quilting Between No.9/No.10/No.12, 2ea
Amazon Price: $2.72 (as of 06/01/2012)
