This block is fun to combine with plain 10-1/2″ squares or something a little more special to make this very classic quilt. Use up your 2-1/2″ scraps and combine efforts with your guild or friends for a scrappy look!
This tutorial gives you instructions for a 10″ finished block (10-1/2″ unfinished).
It’s really important to use a scant 1/4″ seam allowance so your block ends up to be 10-1/2″ square. This is especially the case if you are working on a collaborative / bee quilt! Your bee mates will be thankful that the blocks across the group measure the same. What is a scant 1/4″ seam allowance? Check out what you need to know here.
Fabric / Cutting
Feature fabrics (“Chain” fabrics)
- (9) 2½” squares
Background fabric
-
(4) 6½” x 2½” rectangles(4) 2½” squares
- Lay five (5) feature squares with four (4) background squares in a checkerboard pattern, as shown.
- Using a scant 1/4″ seam allowance, sew a nine-patch square. Press the seams toward the feature fabric. This completed nine-patch should measure 6-1/2″ square.
- Sew a 6½” x 2½” rectangle to either side of the nine-patch. Press the seams toward the background.
- Sew two (2) feature squares to either end of one of the remaining rectangles. Press toward the background. Repeat with the remaining two squares and rectangles.
- Add these strips to the top and bottom of the nine-patch assembly. Press the seams toward the background.
If you’d like to make multiple blocks at a time with 2½” strips, check out page 2 of Remix Chain Pattern – Moda.
Alternate these blocks with another 10″ block, such as this Sawtooth Star to make a Starry Irish Chain!
