Create a 15-Block Sampler Quilt with Easy Chain Block Alternating Layout

The Single Irish Chain quilt block is a classic, beginner-friendly design that’s as versatile as it is charming. This simple block comes together quickly, making it a great choice for quilters of all skill levels.

Whether stitched up in planned color schemes for a clean, graphic look or made with scraps for a cozy, patchwork feel, the Single Irish Chain shines on its own or as an alternating block to highlight more intricate designs.

You will need seven of these blocks for this sampler quilt.

Maggie's Double Pinwheel

Looking for a quilt block that’s easy to piece, fast to sew, and full of charm? The Maggie’s Double Pinwheel block might be your new favorite! This traditional design has a playful, modern feel, creating visual movement and depth. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned quilter, this block is a delightful addition to any project.

Eliza's Star

Next up is the Eliza's Star quilt block - a striking 12" braced star design with timeless charm and a touch of literary flair. Named after Eliza Capot, Comtesse de Feuillide and cousin (and eventual sister-in-law) of Jane Austen, this block blends elegance and fun, much like its namesake.

Dutch Windmill Variation

If you're looking for a fresh and easy twist on a classic quilt block, this variation of the Dutch Windmill block is a perfect choice! Inspired by the iconic windmills of the Netherlands, this 12" block combines tradition with simplicity, making it ideal for beginners or seasoned quilters looking for a quick project. With its clean lines and dynamic pinwheel design, this block comes together quickly and is perfect for creating a striking quilt with minimal effort.

Big T

We're going to sew the Big T quilt block the easy (and scrappy) way. This charming traditional block goes back to 1927 when it was published in the Dakota Farmer. Of course, it goes by other names too - Imperial T, Capital T, and Tea for Four (my favorite). The Big T is fairly quick to sew together too as it is made entirely of Half Square Triangle units.

Hourglass

I'd like to share the steps to make my variation of an Hourglass quilt block. As usual, there are several traditional Hourglass blocks, two of which I've done tutorials on, namely the basic Hourglass and an Hourglass Variation. This variation is fairly easy to make as it only uses Half Square Triangle and Hourglass units. It makes a lovely secondary design when you sew multiple blocks together and, of course, you can make it scrappy! 

Nine Patch Frame

If you’re looking for a fun, beginner-friendly quilt block that comes together quickly and adds a striking visual pop to your projects, the Nine Patch Frame block is perfect for you! This easy and scrappy block combines the simplicity of a traditional nine-patch with the added flair of a framed diamond shape in the center. It’s a fantastic way to use up fabric scraps while creating a dynamic design that looks far more complex than it is. Whether you’re working on a sampler quilt or a scrappy masterpiece, this block will shine. 

Crab Claws

Looking for a bold and dynamic quilt block that’s easy to piece? The Crab Claws block is a perfect choice! This striking 12" block is made with just squares and flying geese units, making it a quick and satisfying sew. With its sharp angles and strong lines, it resembles both the pincers of a crab and the sturdy shape of wrenches - making it a fantastic design for ocean lovers or the perfect quilt gift for a mechanic or handy person. 

Putting It All Together:

Layout:

Lay out the blocks in a 3 x 5 layout with the Single Irish Chain blocks in between the sampler blocks. In the picture below you can see that I've left room to lay out the sashing and cornerstones. I still need to make three more of the alternating blocks.

Sashing and Cornerstones:

For the sashing I used white fabric for the sashing and the same fabric in the Single Irish Chain blocks for the cornerstones. I also added the sashing/cornerstones on the right and left sides of the quilt top. A 3 x 5 layout makes for a skinny long quilt and by adding sashing and cornerstones to the sides it helps to widen the finished quilt.

A tip for cutting sashing strips: I cut 12.5" x width of fabric strips from the white fabric and then cut the 12.5" strips into 2.5" x 12.5" strips/rectangles. This way of cutting has the lengthwise grain of the fabric running the long way of the rectangle. Since the lengthwise grain doesn't stretch much, the rectangles don't stretch much when being sewn into the quilt.

Borders:

I decided that simple borders would tie everything together. Since sampler quilts can get kind of "busy", I thought a plain border would calm it down. I used a 2" finished size white border for the first border. This ties in with the sashing. Then I used a wider border (4" finished size) in a coordinating greem print for the outer border. 

Conclusion:

This sampler quilt finishes at about 56" x 80".

I had fun picking out and playing with blocks to make this sampler quilt. I hope it gives you some inspiration to make your own sampler!

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you like it and want to see more, just click HERE to sign up for my newsletter and receive a free PDF quilt pattern called "Chained Weathervane".

Happy Quilting!

Elaine

P.S. Looking for more sampler quilts? Click on this link: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/tagged/sampler-quilts

P.P.S. Check out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabric406