Like so many other quilt blocks, the Single Irish Chain has been known by other names. Each block is very simple, but when connected the patchwork links with each other to create color flow along both diagonals. Fabric can be sewn together one piece at a time, but assembly is faster when the quilt block is strip pieced from rotary cut strips of fabric.
Cutting Charts for 4 Quilt Blocks in Three Different Sizes
(4) 12" x 12" Finished Blocks Strip Set A:
Dark: two 3 1/2" x 29" stripsLight: one 6 1/2" x 29" strip
Strip Set B:
Dark: one 6 1/2" x 27" stripLight: two 3 1/2" x 27" strips
(4) 6" x 6" Finished Blocks Strip Set A:
Dark: two 2" x 17" stripsLight: one 3 1/2" x 17" strip
Strip Set B:
Dark: one 3 1/2" x 15" stripLight: two 2" x 15" strips
(4) 4" x 4" Finished Blocks Strip Set A:
Dark: two 1 1/2" x 13" stripsLight: one 2 1/2" x 13" strip
Strip Set B:
Dark: one 2 1/2" x 11" stripLight: two 1 1/2" x 11" strips
Cut longer strips of fabric if you plan to make additional blocks. Use a quarter-inch seam allowance throughout.
Make the Strip Pieced Irish Chain Quilt Blocks
Assemble the Strip Sets for the Single Irish Chain
Strip Set A
Use your rotary equipment to square up one end of the strip set, and then cut eight segments from it:3 1/2" long each for the 12" block 2" long each for the 6" block 1 1/2" long each for the 4" block
Strip Set B
Use your rotary equipment to square up one end of the strip set, and then cut four segments from it:6 1/2" long each for the 12" block3 1/2" long each for the 6" block2 1/2" long each for the 4" block
Finish Sewing the Single Irish Chain Quilt Block
Single Irish Chain Baby Quilt Pattern
Make an Easy Baby Quilt From Single Irish Chain Blocks
It’s easy to make a baby quilt by combining Single Irish Chain quilt blocks with large squares of fabric or other quilt blocks of the same size. Pre-printed fabric panels, like the partial example of a quilt shown, sometimes offer perfect designs for a baby quilt. A four or six-inch finished quilt block is a good choice for baby quilts and works with many of the square motifs on pre-printed panels.
