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| Sawtooth Ladder Block |
The Sawtooth Ladder block adds geometric interest and contrast to a quilt top without requiring a ton of time at the cutting board. The block combines the sharp points of traditional sawtooth piecing with the clean, rhythmic lines of a ladder motif, designed by Wendy Russell from PatchworkSquare. It's a sampler and a centerpiece that's really fun to stitch as it moves so beautifully in the quilt.
Block At A Glance
- Designer: Wendy Russell (PatchworkSquare)
- Finished Size: 12" x 12" square (12.5" unfinished)
- Structure: 4×4 grid design of simple patchwork elements
- Core Elements: Half-Square Triangles (HSTs) and solid framing squares
- This course is designed for confident beginners to intermediate level.
Design Highlights & Piecing Workflow
The efficiency of Wendy Russell's layout is what makes it satisfying. The construction is precise, and you can make the unit assembly easy and predictable:
- Stash Friendly: Great for two high contrast solids, or a light background with medium to dark scraps.
- Secondary Patterns: The outermost points line up in the layout when stitched side-by-side creating interlocking diamond and ladder chains on the quilt top.
- The block is very dependent on the repeating HST units and plain squares and as such having consistent quarter-inch seam allowances ensures flat and square blocks each time.
Pro Tip for Precise Points
When using Half-Square Triangles to trim and square up before assembly, be sure to trim and square up your Half-Square Triangles before final assembly without losing the corner points. Bulk can be minimized by pressing seams towards the darker fabric or seams open where more than one seam meet. Get your rotary cutter, choose two different fabrics from your stash and let's get this old fashion block on to your sewing table!
Full Pattern: Sawtooth Ladder Block Free PDF Pattern
