Jacobs Ladder Variations?
 

I've seen two. One is http://www.squidoo.com/jacobsladderquilt and the other is http://0.tqn.com/d/quilting/1/0/I/B/...obs_ladder.jpg

Which one is it? They both seem to different to my eye. Am I missing something?

They are both the same. First quilt I ever made. Different layouts make it appear completely different. Easy but pretty.

They're different - one is a 4-patch and the other is a 9-patch.

They "appear" similar due to the color layout.

I've always considered the 9patch configuration (blue& white sample) to be the JL block.
The ladder has more steps.

As for the two different block layouts with the same name?
Well, someone probably thought it was better to "simplifying" the block by making it with less pieces.
Happens all the time.

But if that 4 patch was pleasing to YOUR eye, then you go ahead and make YOUR quilt with whatever blocks you want.
It will bother some.
Most probably won't notice.

My personal pet peeve is LeMoyne Star blocks made with HST blocks.
Well, it's a nice star but, despite the clever color placement, it ain't a LeMoyne.
But that's MY problem.
I'll just have to deal with it.
;-) ;-) ;-)

Even though one is a four patch and the other is a nine patch, I think they still both create the exact same pattern once multiple blocks are laid out, because the four patch is just a section of the nine patch if you look closely. (Right?...:confused:I think...)

I think the 9 patch layout is the traditional pattern.
http://www.quilterscache.com/J/JacobsLadderBlock.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itUKA...ure=plpp_video

Only if you are very careful with the colour layout. If you lay a bunch of the 4patch side-by-side, you'd have to make half with the HST facing the other way (dark/light reversed) to exactly duplicate the 9-patch layout. I agree - the 9-patch is likely the traditional block. But does it matter? Make a quilt from the one you like, and call it whatever you want :)

According to Barbara Brackman's book, some patterns have several names - some pattern names have several designs/patterns.

It can get confusing.

I would like to do the 9 patch but the reason I think I have to do the 4 is because Im going to do it with a layer cake, and it makes me one block shy in the same color. For the 4 patch its the right amount.

Seriously!!