Simple, Classic, and Versatile: The Single Irish Chain Quilt Block in Four Sizes

By: Elaine Huff

The Single Irish Chain quilt block is a classic, beginner-friendly design that’s as versatile as it is charming. Offered here in four sizes—6", 9", 12", and 15"—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. Its timeless appeal and easy construction make it a staple in any quilter’s repertoire.

Fabric Requirements for a 12" Finished Single Irish Chain Quilt Block:

Light/White: 4 - 4.5" squares, and 8 - 2.5" squares
Dark/Green: 1 - 4.5" square, and 8 - 2.5" squares

For a 6" finished block use 2.5" and 1.5" squares

For a 9" finished block use 3.5" and 2" squares

For a 15" finished block use 5.5" and 3" squares

Sewing Directions:

Four Patch Units:

Step 1:

Lay out two Light/White 2.5" squares and two Dark/Green 2.5" squares as shown in the image on the left of the picture below. Sew the squares into two rows and press the seam allowances toward the Dark/Green fabric as shown.

For other methods of making a Four Patch block check out my tutorial at https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-four-patch-quilt-block

Step 2:

Sew the two rows together and press the seam allowance. You can see in the picture below that I've pressed using the tweak/twirl/furl method but you can press however you prefer.

Step 3:

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for a total of 4 Four Patch units like the ones shown below.

Putting It All Together:

Step 4:

Lay out the Step 3 units, the four Light/White 4.5" squares, and the Dark/Green 4.5" square as shown in the picture below. From here the block goes together like a typical Nine Patch block.

Step 5:

Sew the units into three rows.

Step 6:

Press the seam allowances toward the Light/White 4.5" squares as shown in the picture below.

Step 7:

Sew the three rows together to complete the block. All that left is...

Step 8:

Press the seam allowance away from the center of the block as shown below.

Layout Ideas:

This is the basic 4 x 4 layout. While the Single Irish Chain makes a great alternating block, it looks good all on its own too.

And this is an example of the same layout as above but with sashing and cornerstones added.

Here's a scrappy layout where every other block is left plain. This is a classic layout for this block.

This alternating version uses a star block for the alternating block and a blue Single Irish Chain. (The alternating block is a slightly modified Blueberry Pie block.)

Or maybe an applique block for the alternating block.

Or perhaps just use a plain alternating block to show off some fancy quilting!

Here's a scrappy on-point example with a pretty applique block for the alternating block and plain setting triangles.

This on-point layout is the same as the previous one except that placement of the Single Irish Chain and the applique block are switched. Then the same purple as in the Single Irish Chain is used in the setting triangles.

Conclusion:

While it is so easy to sew, the Single Irish Chain is very versatile! It looks great by itself and as an alternating block. I'm planning to use it in my next sampler quilt too!

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 alternating blocks? Take a look at this roundup post: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/20-of-the-best-chain-and-other-great-alternating-quilt-blocks

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