I’ve always loved the idea of giving new life to leftover fabric scraps. As a quilter, I’ve accumulated bins of little pieces over the years, each one holding its own story or memory. So, when I came across the Scrappy Irish Chain pattern, I knew it was the perfect project to help me transform my fabric odds and ends into something both meaningful and beautiful.
This quilt allows for a unique blend of colors, textures, and memories to weave together in a classic yet vibrant design, capturing the spirit of traditional Irish chain quilts with a modern, eclectic twist.
The Scrappy Irish Chain pattern isn’t just about repurposing—it’s about celebrating the charm of imperfection and variety. With its rhythmic block assembly, this quilt becomes a living scrapbook, showcasing the story of countless other projects and fabrics that might otherwise be forgotten. Let’s dive into this fun, scrappy adventure!
Embracing the Legacy of the Irish Chain with a Personal Twist
The Irish Chain quilt pattern is a classic design, dating back centuries, and often recognized for its graceful, interlocking chains that create a stunning visual effect. This scrappy version breathes new life into the tradition, allowing for a more colorful, textured finish.
By using a mix of pink and white as accent colors alongside an array of scrap fabric squares, this pattern transforms simplicity into elegance with a patchwork that has depth and character. The design’s beauty lies in its subtle repetition, guiding the eye across the quilt as colors intermingle with each square.
Full Pattern: Click Here
A Patchwork Plan: Preparing the Palette of Fabrics and Cuts
The key to creating this quilt is organization. The Scrappy Irish Chain uses two main blocks—Block A and Block B—which, when pieced together, form the iconic chain effect. To capture the design’s charm, you’ll need a mix of white and pink fabrics and an ample collection of scrap squares to create a quilt measuring 90″ x 90″. Here’s the breakdown of everything you’ll need:
Materials
- White Fabric: 2 ½ yards
- Pink Fabric: 1 ½ yards
- Scrap Fabric: 4 ¾ yards (for 989 squares, 2.5″ each)
- Binding Fabric: ¾ yard
- Backing Fabric: 8 yards
- Cotton Batting: 98″ x 98″
Cutting Instructions
- From the White Fabric, cut:
- (12) 18.5″ x 6.5″
- (24) 14.5″ x 2.5″
- (24) 10.5″ x 2.5″
- (24) 6.5″ x 6.5″
- (52) 2.5″ x 2.5″
- (10) 2.5″ x Width of Fabric (WOF) strips
- From the Pink Fabric, cut:
- (300) 2.5″ squares
- From Scrap Fabric, cut:
- (989) 2.5″ squares
Starting the Project: Preparing Blocks and Setting the Foundation
Before beginning, take a moment to sort your scraps by color or value. Mixing a balanced array of tones will give your quilt a harmonious look, while still keeping that eclectic scrappy vibe. Make sure your seam allowance is consistent at ¼” throughout, as this will ensure your blocks fit together well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Block Assembly
The Scrappy Irish Chain is constructed from two distinct blocks that repeat in a specific layout, forming the chain effect.
Block A Assembly
- Gather the Materials: To make one Block A, you’ll need:
- 4 pink 2.5″ squares
- 12 white 2.5″ squares
- 66 scrap 2.5″ squares
- Assemble Unit Strips: Create nine unit strips, alternating pink, white, and scrap squares as per the design. Ensure that pink and white squares are placed accurately to form the pattern.
- Press the Seams: Press each row’s seams, alternating direction with each row. This helps the rows nest nicely together, making the final assembly easier.
- Complete the Block: Sew the nine unit strips together to form a completed Block A. Press all seams towards the center.
- Repeat: Make a total of 13 Block A squares.
Block B Assembly
- Gather the Materials: For each Block B, you’ll need:
- 2 white 2.5″ x 12″ strips
- 2 white 6.5″ squares
- 2 white 10.5″ strips
- 2 white 14.5″ strips
- 1 white 18.5″ strip
- 12 scrap 2.5″ squares
- Assemble Unit Strips: Form nine unit strips using the layout provided in the pattern, placing the white and scrap squares according to the design.
- Press the Seams: Alternate seam directions for each row, and press all seams outward from the center of the block.
- Complete the Block: Sew the nine unit strips together to finish Block B.
- Repeat: Make a total of 12 Block B squares.
Quilt Assembly: Creating the Scrappy Irish Chain
- Arrange Blocks: Lay out your Block A and Block B squares according to the Quilt Assembly Diagram. The layout will be 5 rows of 5 blocks, creating a 90″ x 90″ quilt top with a distinct chain pattern.
- Sew the Rows: Join blocks row by row, pressing seams open after each row is complete.
- Assemble the Quilt Top: Sew each row together, matching seams carefully to keep the pattern aligned.
Finishing Touches: Backing, Quilting, and Binding
- Prepare the Backing: Cut your backing fabric into two pieces, each at least 6″ wider and longer than the quilt top. Place the backing fabric wrong side up, layer the batting, and place the quilt top right side up on top.
- Baste and Quilt: Baste the layers together, then quilt as desired. You can machine quilt or hand quilt; choose a style that complements the scrappy nature of the design.
- Add Binding: Sew (10) 2.5″ WOF strips together to create a long binding strip. Fold in half, wrong sides together, and press. Attach the binding to the quilt front with a ¼” seam, mitring the corners. Fold to the back and hand stitch.
- Trim Excess: Trim away any extra batting and backing, giving your quilt clean edges.
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of the Scrappy Irish Chain
Completing this Scrappy Irish Chain quilt is as much a journey through your own memories as it is a quilting project. Each scrap you add is a tribute to past projects and cherished fabrics that have new life stitched into a timeless pattern.
This quilt becomes a tapestry of your creativity, a unique piece that’s colorful, warm, and full of character. Embrace the imperfections and celebrate the memories; your quilt will be as unique and meaningful as the fabrics you choose.