Irish Chain Quilt Block
Also known as Single Irish Chain.
Irish Chain is a traditional two-colour block whose squares form a clear diagonal chain across the design. This 12-inch version uses only squares and rectangles, making it straightforward to cut and piece.
How it is pieced
- Pieces
- 17
- Shaped cuts
- 0
- Fabrics
- 2
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Finished size
- 12" × 12"
- Square × 13
- Rectangle × 4
Fabrics
- Fabric 1 — 9 pieces
- Fabric 2 — 8 pieces
Notes
Assemble the squares and rectangles into rows or sections, then join these while matching the seam intersections. Accurate cutting and a consistent seam allowance matter, as misaligned squares interrupt the diagonal chain; pressing adjoining seams in opposite directions can make the joins easier to match.
Make it your own
Draw the Irish Chain block in the Quiltler studio — free in your browser, or on iPhone and iPad — to recolour it, swap in your own fabrics, resize it and lay it out into a whole quilt. When it looks the way you want, download the full quilt template of your version, with the fabric list and cutting sizes worked out for you.