Single Irish Chain Quilt Block Tutorial

There are a few traditional quilt blocks that I love….just because.  The single irish chain quilt block is one of them.  With super simple and very basic blocks, these can be partnered with different fabric layouts to make new designs.  You would think it, but it can be very surprising what quilts are made from pairing these up.

The block –when you break it down is two 9 patch blocks with 2 spacer blocks.  The spacer blocks are usually your background fabric, and because there isn’t anything on top of them, it’s a perfect spot for some hexagon fun or applique.  Either way, you have a very versitile quilt block.

If you look at how others have used this block, you can strategically place your colored squares so they make a pattern themselves.  In the example I made, I went with a scrappy look and mixed and matched the fabric/colors.

Materials Needed for one block:

10– 2 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ squares- color

8– 2 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ squares- background fabric

2– 6 1/2″ X 6 1/2″ squares- background fabric

Irish Chain Quilt Block Instructions:

1)  Layout your fabric for the nine patch quilt block.  There will be 5 colored squares and 4 background squares

2)  Sew them together – repeat so you have finished 2 — 9 patch quilt blocks

3)  Layout your 9 patch quilt blocks with the background squares

4)  Sew together to form your irish chain

The unfinished size of the block is 12 1/2″ X 1 2 1/2″ square.  Depending on what your end goal is with the block, you will need to repeat the steps to make more.

If you sew 3 across by 3 down you will end up with a nice sized baby blanket.  Sew more and go bigger.

What kind of layouts have you done, or that are your favorite?  

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