Double Irish Chain Quilt Block

Skill level: Confident beginner to Intermediate

The Double Irish Chain Quilt Block is actually two blocks (Blocks A & B) that when combined create the effect of a chain going throughout the quilt. There are several varieties of “Irish Chain” quilts, but the traditional Double Irish Chain quilt is made using the two blocks shown below. The chain becomes evident once the blocks are assembled in alternating fashion.

Neither of the blocks are terribly difficult to construct, but placement of the blocks while sewing the rows together must be done carefully to pull off the effect.

Block A is a 5×5 grid of squares using three colors. Note the placement of light, medium and dark fabrics. The Dark fabric is arranged in an X. The medium fabric is arranged on the four outside centers, and light fabrics are placed in the remaining spaces between them.

Block A of Double Irish Chain Quilt

Block B is a large central rectangle in the medium color that is flanked by rows on each side containing a light square in each corner and a medium-colored rectangle between them. The result is a “plus” sign with light corners:

Block B of Double Irish Chain Quilt

Block Construction

Exploded version of Block A of Double Irish Chain Quilt

Exploded versions of Block B of Double Irish Chain Quilt