Irish Chain Quilt Block Free Pattern
Irish Chain Quilt Block Free Pattern is one of the easiest ways to make a beautiful quilt using simple strip piecing and a few basic quilting skills. If you have a jelly roll, lots of scraps, or extra fabric waiting to be used, this classic quilt block is a great place to start. It is perfect for a beginner quilter, works up quickly, and gives you endless ways to create a baby quilt, table topper, quilt top, or a beautiful Irish Chain quilt in any size.
This free Irish Chain quilt pattern is simple enough for first quilts but interesting enough that experienced quilters still enjoy making it.
There are several Irish Chain quilt variations. The simple one is made with one nine patch and a solid block. But I wanted a larger “chain”.
This Single Irish Chain variation adds another round to the block and makes the block pattern wider, which I like. Halo Inspiration over on YouTube actually made the same block. Apparently this block is called Cross in the Square but it’s still an Irish Chain pattern.
If you add a sashing a border to the outside along with cornerstones then you make the “chain” even larger.
Block Construction
Instead of sewing little squares one by one, you’ll make strip sets from background fabric strips and print fabric. This strip piecing method saves time, keeps your seams straight, and makes the entire project more enjoyable.
Each finished block measures 10.5 inch blocks untrimmed and is made from:
- Two background fabric strips cut from the width of fabric
- One print strip cut from the width of fabric
- One 2.5 inch print square
- Quarter inch seam allowance throughout
You can make one block at a time or spend an afternoon making several strip sets for quick quilts.
This is one of my favorite patterns because it uses very little fabric for each block. If you have leftover inch strips from another quilt, don’t throw them into the scrap pile. Put them to work here instead.
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THIS OUT!
After you read this post, make sure you also check out Learn How to Quilt for Absolute Beginners. It’s jam packed with information to make your first quilt. It also has links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. There’s lots of free quilt patterns that are great for beginners and all skill levels too. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!
Grab a free Quilt Planning Journal. It’s filled with graph paper and note pages to help you design at least 4 project! Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished items and enjoy your creative process!
Irish Chain Quilt Block – Free Pattern
These are instructions to make one block. Untrimmed, it will finish at 10.5″ x 10.5″.
Fabric Requirements
- 2 – 2.5″ x WOF background fabric strips
- 1 – 2.5″ x WOF print fabric strips
- 1 – 2.5″ x 2.5″ print fabric square
If you are using yardage instead of a jelly roll, simply cut your own WOF (width of fabric) strips. Fat quarters also work if you join strips together, although using width of fabric strips is quicker.
Step 1: Sew the Strip Sets
Take one background strip and one print strip.
Place the right sides together and sew along one long edge using a quarter inch seam allowance.
Press the seam toward the darker fabric.
You now have your first strip set.
This is where strip piecing really shines. Instead of sewing dozens of little squares together, you’re doing most of the work in one long seam.
It feels almost like cheating.
Almost.
Step 2: Cut the Four Patch Units
Fold your strip set in half.
Square up one end.
Cut eight units that each measure 2.5″ wide.
Pair two units together with opposite fabrics touching.
This creates four four patch units.
Sew each pair together using 1/4″ seam allowance.
Press the seams so they nest together later.
Take your time matching the center seam. Nothing catches your eye faster than four patches that almost line up.
Step 3: Cut the Background Pieces
Take the remaining background strip.
Fold it in half.
Trim one end straight.
Cut four rectangles measuring 4.5″ x 2.5″ long.
These become the sashing pieces between the four patch units.
The clean lines created by these background blocks are what make the Irish Chain design stand out across the quilt top.
Step 4: Lay Out the Block
Arrange your pieces into three horizontal rows.
Top row:
- 4.5″ x 4.5″ four patch
- 4.5″ x 2.5″ background rectangle
- 4.5″ x 4.5″ four patch
Center row:
- 4.5″ x 2.5″ background rectangle
- 2.5″ x 2.5″ print square
- 4.5″ x 2.5″ background rectangle
Bottom row:
- 4.5″ x 4.5″ four patch
- 4.5″ x 2.5″ background rectangle
- 4.5″ x 4.5″ four patch
Make sure your four patch blocks are facing the same way as my photo above. Before you sew anything together, stand up and take a closer look. Seriously.
This five second pause can save you twenty minutes with the seam ripper.
Step 5: Sew the Rows Together
Start by sewing the four patch units to the background rectangles to make the top and bottom rows.
Next, sew one background rectangle to each side of the 2.5″ print square to create the center row.
Press the center row toward the print square.
Press the top and bottom rows toward the four patch units.
This helps the seams nest together when you join the rows.
Pin every seam intersection before sewing. It only takes a minute, and it makes a big difference in how your finished block looks.
Join the three horizontal rows using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Give the block one final press.
Your block should measure 10.5″ by 10.5″ untrimmed.
If your block is a little smaller, don’t panic. Before blaming your ruler or your sewing machine, check your seam allowance. A seam that is just a tiny bit too wide can make a surprising difference by the time you sew the whole block together.
Layout Ideas for an Irish Chain Quilt
This is where the fun really begins.
The same block can create several completely different quilts depending on how you arrange it.
One option is to sew all of the single Irish Chain quilt blocks together into straight sets. This creates the traditional chain running across the entire quilt.
Another popular choice is to place plain blocks between each Irish Chain block. These alternate blocks create more open space and make the chain design stand out even more.
Alternating background blocks also gives your eyes a place to rest and lets your quilting become part of the design.
If you enjoy modern quilts, this is a great layout.
A Little Irish Chain History
The Irish Chain design has been a favorite of quilters since the early 1800s.
Although nobody knows exactly where the design began, it quickly became popular because it was simple to piece and easy to make larger by repeating blocks.
Over the years, quilters have created many versions, including the single Irish Chain, double Irish Chain quilt pattern, and even more detailed variations.
Today you will find everything from traditional reproduction quilts to a modern Irish Chain quilt pattern made with bold prints and fresh colors.
That is one reason this pattern has stayed popular for generations.
It never really goes out of style.
Tips for Beginner Quilters
If you are a beginner quilter, these simple habits will improve every quilt you make.
- Measure your first block before making twenty more.
- Press after every seam.
- Replace dull rotary blades.
- Use a consistent 1/4″ seam allowance.
- Keep your ruler clean.
- Square up pieces when needed.
- Match seam intersections before sewing.
If You’re New Here
I’m really glad you found your way here.
If you’re new to quilting, then welcome. The learning curve is fast, and yes, you will face challenges. But I’ve got you. If I can do it, so can you!
Here’s where to go next:
- Learn to Quilt Page – every step of making and finishing a quilt
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- Digital, ad-free patterns – clean, printable, and beginner-friendly
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More Quilt Inspiration
If you enjoyed this Irish Chain design, you may also enjoy these Sew Nikki quilting projects:
These classic designs pair well with the Irish Chain block and are great next projects for beginner quilters.
External Resources
- The Quilt Codex – Single Irish Chain Block Video
- Donna Jordan – Irish Quilt Video
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