SeeMyQuiltIrish Chain quilt block
Squares running corner to corner. Set side by side, the blocks form diagonal chains across the quilt. Also called Single Irish Chain.
Cutting chart by block size
5" Irish Chain (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 9 squares | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 3 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 2 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
| Background | 6 squares | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
7 1/2" Irish Chain (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 9 squares | 2" × 2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 5" × 2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 3 1/2" × 2" | – |
| Background | 6 squares | 2" × 2" | – |
10" Irish Chain (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 9 squares | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 6 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 4 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Background | 6 squares | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
15" Irish Chain (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 9 squares | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 9 1/2" × 3 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 6 1/2" × 3 1/2" | – |
| Background | 6 squares | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" | – |
How to make a 15" Irish Chain block
- Cut the pieces in the chart above. All measurements include a 1/4" seam allowance.
- Lay all the pieces out as in the diagram. The block is a 5 × 5 grid, and each cell finishes at 3". Sew neighbouring pieces into sections, then the sections into rows, pressing seams in opposite directions from row to row.
- Join the rows. The block should measure 15 1/2" now and 15" once it is sewn into the quilt.
Yardage for a Irish Chain quilt (15" blocks)
| Quilt size | Blocks | Finished size | Main | Background | Border & binding | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 2 × 3 (6) | 36" × 51" | 5/8 yd | 7/8 yd | 1 yd | 3 1/2 yd |
| Lap | 3 × 4 (12) | 51" × 66" | 1 yd | 1 3/4 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 4 1/4 yd |
| Throw | 4 × 4 (16) | 66" × 66" | 1 3/8 yd | 2 3/8 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 4 1/4 yd |
| Twin | 4 × 6 (24) | 66" × 96" | 2 yd | 3 1/2 yd | 1 1/2 yd | 6 yd |
| Queen | 6 × 6 (36) | 96" × 96" | 3 yd | 5 1/4 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 8 3/4 yd |
| King | 7 × 7 (49) | 111" × 111" | 4 yd | 7 1/4 yd | 2 1/8 yd | 10 yd |
Blocks side by side with a 3" border, 2 1/2" binding, 42" usable width and 10% extra.
Four ways to set it
A throw quilt of 15" Irish Chain blocks in each setting.
| Setting | Blocks | Finished size | Extra fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side by side | 16 | 66" × 66" | – |
| With sashing | 12 | 55" × 72" | Sashing 3/4 yd, Cornerstones 1/8 yd |
| Alternating plain blocks | 8 pieced + 8 plain | 66" × 66" | Plain blocks 2 yd |
| On point | 13 | 69 3/4" × 69 3/4" | Setting triangles 1 3/4 yd |
See Irish Chain in your own fabrics
What to buy
| Fabric | Yardage | Cut |
|---|
Based on 42" usable fabric width, 1/4" seams and 10% extra. Your photos stay on your device.
Questions
How many fabrics does a Irish Chain block need?
Two: main and background. Choose a main fabric that contrasts clearly with the background so the design reads from a distance.
What size pieces do I cut for a 15 inch Irish Chain?
9 main squares at 3 1/2" × 3 1/2"; 2 background rectangles at 9 1/2" × 3 1/2"; 2 background rectangles at 6 1/2" × 3 1/2"; 6 background squares at 3 1/2" × 3 1/2".
How many Irish Chain blocks for a lap quilt?
12 blocks at 15", set 3 by 4 with a 3" border, make a 51" × 66" quilt.
More chains & crosses blocks
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