What’s the Project? Irish Chain quilts use simple squares and blocks to create that wonderful chain design that travels across the quilt. They look impressive, but the piecing is surprisingly simple—and they’re perfect for scraps, precuts, or a favorite fabric combination.
Free Irish Chain Quilt Patterns
There are some quilt patterns that just never get old, and the Irish Chain is definitely one of them. In fact, an Irish Chain was one of the first quilts I made when I started quilting.
What I love about this pattern is that it looks much more complicated than it really is. Once you break it down, you’re working with simple squares, nine-patch blocks, and basic piecing. Some versions can even be strip pieced, which makes all those little squares go together much faster.
And this is a great stash quilt. Go completely scrappy, keep it classic with two colors, pull out a jelly roll, or try a rainbow version. The basic Irish Chain design stays the same, but your fabric choices can completely change the finished look.
Quilt Block Tutorials
Double Irish Chain Quilt Block Tutorial
Single Irish Chain Quilt Block Tutorial
Irish Chain Quilt Tutorials:
The Irish chain was really one of the first quilts that I had made when I started quilting.
It’s a simple block, but has a complicated look about it! It’s all squares and depending on the method used for the piecing, these can be strip pieced. Strip piecing will save a lot of time!
Kitty Cat Irish Chain
This is a lot of fun – alternate or place an applique in the center of the block. You can pick and choose what you’d like to show off.
Spring Blossoms Quilt with Yo-Yo’s
Spring Blossoms Quilt – this wall hanging features baskets with yo-yo flowers and a simple but scrappy block.
Super Scrappy Irish Chain Quilt
This is a scrappy version of the irish chain quilt. Love the mix of bright colors! Scrappy Irish Chain Pattern
Old Red Barn Quilt
This one is a fun one because of the dark background! Would work great for a boys quilt as well. Old Red Barn Irish Quilt
Red & White Single Irish Chain
This is a single Irish chain quilt – the idea of only using two colors is fun! Single irish chain quilt
Jelly Roll Quilt
This Irish Chain is done using jelly roll strips. Would be a great one to swap fabrics for! jelly roll irish chain quilt
Leaders and Enders Irish Chain Quilt
These blocks and quilt top were all sewn in between stitching another quilt. It’s almost like a few quilt! Leaders and enders Irish Quilt
Yellow & Blue Chain Quilt
You can mix a few colors into the quilt— but still have control over them. Great placement of the yellow and blue. Yellow and blue chain quilt
Single Irish Chain – A little bit different
It’s amazing what happens when you fiddle with the 9 patch block, all of those white squares are part of it!
You sew the 9 patch of the Irish chain with 5 white or background fabrics. Single Chain Irish
Nine Patch Chain
Not quite a full irish chain, but it’s close enough and cute as well! Strip piecing makes this quilt come together quickly.
What Is an Irish Chain Quilt?
An Irish Chain quilt uses squares arranged to create diagonal chains across the quilt. A Single Irish Chain keeps the design simple, while a Double Irish Chain adds another row of squares for a more detailed look.
Both are great choices if you enjoy traditional quilt patterns but still want plenty of room to play with color and fabric.
My other favorite kind of quilts are ones with stars! Here are some fun star quilt tutorials:
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