Jacob Ladder Square

Jacob Ladder Square by Jo's Crafty Hook

Project Overview

The Jacob Ladder Square is a beginner-friendly crochet pattern designed by Jo's Crafty Hook for creating blankets and throws. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a finished square measuring 12 inches wide by 12 inches in length, making it an ideal building block for larger blanket projects or a standalone decorative throw piece.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a single crochet square featuring a textured, dimensional design. The Jacob Ladder Square is suitable for blanket construction, as multiple squares can be joined together to form larger throws or afghans. The finished square works well as both a functional home textile and a decorative accent piece.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Jacob Ladder Square employs several intermediate crochet techniques to create its distinctive textured appearance. The pattern utilizes post stitches, which are worked around the posts of stitches from previous rows rather than into the top loops, creating raised, dimensional effects. These post stitches form the visual foundation of the ladder-like pattern that gives this square its name.

The pattern incorporates Foundation Double Crochet (FDC) for the base chain, eliminating the need for a separate foundation chain and creating a more professional, finished edge. This technique is referenced from the designer's YouTube channel instructions, providing additional visual guidance for crocheters learning this method.

Stitches Included

• Chain (CH) - Used for foundation and turning chains
• Single Crochet (SC) - Basic stitch used throughout the pattern
• Double Crochet (DC) - Primary stitch for creating the square's structure
• Slip Stitch (SS) - Used for joining and finishing
• Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC) - Worked around the front post of previous row stitches to create raised texture
• Back Post Double Crochet (BPDC) - Worked around the back post of previous row stitches for dimensional effect
• Front Post Triple Crochet (FPTRC) - A taller post stitch created by yarning over the hook twice before inserting around the post, adding additional height and texture variation
• Foundation Double Crochet (FDC) - Creates the initial foundation row with integrated chain base

Materials Required

This pattern calls for 2 to 3 ounces of #4 Medium Worsted Weight or Aran Weight Yarn, providing flexibility for yarn selection within these weight categories. The yardage accommodates the 12-inch square dimensions while allowing for slight variations in yarn density.

Essential tools include a US Hook I/5.50 mm crochet hook, which is sized appropriately for the medium worsted and aran weight yarns specified. A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends and seaming squares together if creating a larger blanket project. Basic supplies such as scissors complete the material list.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern establishes a gauge of 4 half double crochets across 2 rows equals 1 inch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. Crocheters should work a gauge swatch before beginning to ensure their finished square measures the intended 12 inches by 12 inches.

Pattern Notes

The pattern clarifies that Chain 1 does not count as a Double Crochet, which is important for proper stitch counting and pattern placement. This notation helps prevent common mistakes when working the post stitches and maintaining consistent pattern repeats. The designer provides YouTube channel references for detailed visual instruction on Foundation Double Crochet, Front Post Double Crochet, Back Post Double Crochet, and Front Post Triple Crochet techniques, supporting crocheters at all experience levels within the beginner difficulty range.