This month we are exploring Chain block variations. We kick off this week with some of the most common variations, next week we’ll take these blocks a step further. Finally, we’ll wrap up the series with some fun projects using our blocks.
One of the interesting thing about Chain blocks, is that they often have a variety of names or one name for a variety of blocks. Many blocks have come to be known as an Irish Chain block. Below we have included sister names for the blocks along with their Irish Chain variation.
Try out the blocks below. Experiment with color and value placement. Be sure to share your ideas on our Facebook group, AQS Project Parade.
Let’s start with a basic Chain block.
Double Nine Patch or Irish Chain Block
18″ x 18″
Cutting Instructions
From the cream fabric, cut:
(20) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares
(4) 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ squares
From the blue fabric, cut:
(25) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares
Block Assembly
Sew a blue 2 1/2″ square to each side of a cream 2 1/2″ square to make a row of three squares. Make 10.
Sew a cream 2 1/2″ square to each side of blue 2 1/2″ square to make a row of three square. Make 5.
Sew the first row to the top and bottom of the second row made. Make 5 Nine Patch units.
Sew a Nine Patch unit to each side of a cream 6 1/2″ square. Make 2.
Sew a cream 6 1/2″ square to each side of a Nine Patch unit. Make 1.
Sew the first row to the top and bottom of the second row made to complete the block.
Nine Patch Chain or Single Irish Chain Block
15″ x 15″
Cutting Instructions
From the purple fabric, cut:
(9) 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ squares
From the white fabric, cut:
(4) 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ squares
(4) 3 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ rectangles
Block Assembly
Sew a purple 3 1/2″ square to each side of a white 3 1/2″ square to make a row of three squares. Make 2.
Sew a white 3 1/2″ square to each side of purple 3 1/2″ square to make a row of three square. Make 1.
Sew the first row to the top and bottom of the second row made. Make 1 Nine Patch unit.
Sew a white 3 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ rectangle to each side of the Nine Patch unit.
Sew a purple 3 1/2″ to each end of a white 3 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ rectangle. Make 2.
Sew these rectangles to the top and bottom of the Nine Patch Unit to complete the block.
The final Chain block uses a two-block combination.
Five Patch Chain or Double Irish Chain Block
15″ x 15″
Cutting Instructions
From the dark green, cut:
(9) 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ squares
From the medium green fabric, cut:
(16) 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ squares
From the light green fabric, cut:
(4) 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ squares
(4) 3 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ rectangles
(1) 9 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ square
Block Assembly
Layout the 3 1/2″ squares of each color in rows to make the Five Patch block.
Sew the squares in each row together side by side, then sew the rows together to complete the Five Patch block.
For the other block sew a light green 3 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ rectangle to each side of the center light green 9 1/2″ square.
Sew a medium green 3 1/2″ square to each end of the two remaining light green 3 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ rectangles.
Sew these to the top and bottom of the block to complete the second block.
Be sure to come back next week to try Chain block variations.
