step ladder, red and white, top completed

Step Ladder
72 by 64 inches
top finished 2025
Block finishes 3 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches
768 blocks

I have sketched many variations of the ladder quilt design over the years.
You can see one version posted in 2022 HERE.
A reverse coloration with double-width blocks of this current one I posted HERE.
I first used this design with this current proportions in a doll quilt I made in 1995. I will hunt down the pre-digital life photograph of it.

Block is two pieces:
Red rectangle cut 1 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches, cut 768
White square cut 2 1/2 inches,  cut 768
Press to the red

Sew into 2s, 4s, then 8s.
Keep the pressing consistant, always pressing to the edge that ends in a red rectangle.

Take three 8s, and sew into a row
Make 32 rows
Press again to the end with a red rectangle

Take two rows, rotate one, and sew together, putting into the machine with the row that starts with a square on the top. This allows the subsequent rows to go together with the seams butting, making accuracy easier.

make blocks, sew into pairs, then into 4s, and then into 8s
(the 8s are pictured in next picture)

Three 8-block segmants, sew into one row
Sew into pairs, then 4s, then 8s

Sew into four panels of 8 rows each

To recap:
Sew the 32 rows into 16 pairs
Press to the left
Sew into 4-row panels
Press to the left
Sew into 8-row panels
Press to the left
Sew the top together
Press all row seams to the left
Stay-stitch right away to keep all those seams from popping
Everything nests

My design, use at your pleasure.

Backing is Clara Jean for Dear Stella, DCJ2844