Double Irish Chain Quilt Pattern

Easy Quilt Blocks = Easy Quilt Pattern

The Double Irish Chain Quilt Pattern is a two-block pattern, traditionally based on a 5x5 grid and made with three fabrics.. The first block is defined by the strong 'X' created by two diagonal rows of squares running from corner to corner. The alternate block completes the design.

In it's most basic layout the Double Irish Chain quilt pattern contains just rectangles and squares—a wonderful quilt for the beginning quilter to practice her new techniques.

Play with color placement and/or put the blocks on point and the complexity of this quilt pattern 'appears' to have increased. But this will be no problem for the confident beginner.

Let's get to the quilt blocks and settings!

The Building Blocks

The Double Irish Chain quilt pattern is traditionally stitched with three fabrics: a light for the background and two medium to dark fabrics, that's where the 'double' comes from. (Remember that color value is relative. You need enough contrast for the 'chains' to stand out from the background fabric.)

Double Irish Chain Quilt Block

Other names include: Checkerboard

Grid: 5x5

Block 1

Block 2

A straight or horizontal layout of these blocks is below. Just like it's single and triple chain 'cousins' odd numbers of rows and columns are required to create a symmetrical quilt.

7 x 9 blocks

The open space for quilting or applique is smaller. Part of the alternate block now has some of the chain in it (unlike the single irish chain). To have more space in this Block 2, increase the size grid units. Reduce the contrast between the 'chains' and the background fabrics to focus the viewer's attention on your quilting or applique in these open spaces.

With the addition of setting triangles in an on point layout the quilt is transformed.

6 x 8 blocks

The chains now form horizontal and vertical rows. I think this layout 'hides' the blocks, don't you?

Checkerbord Quilt Block

Other names include: Double Irish Chain

Grid: 5x5

Block 1

Block 2

This stunning variation uses only two fabrics to create a very graphic quilt. The background fabric substituted in as one of the two chain fabrics.

When laid out in straight sets it looks like this.

7 x 9 blocks

And then with the blocks laid out diagonally.

6 x 8 blocks

Again, this on-point setting really blurs the construction lines, kind of a trompe l'oeil in fabric or fool-the-eye patchwork.

Federal Chain Quilt Blocks

Grid: 5x5

This two fabric quilt is a variation on the previous two block quilt, with the changes occurring in Block 2. Instead of just a single square in each corner, two half square triangle halves have been added, creating a modified Snowball block.

Block 1

Block 2

The open spaces in this version of the Double Irish Chain quilt pattern have a more 'rounded' look to them with the addition of the triangles.

The cutting and piecing will take a bit longer due to this additional shape. Be gentle handling the bias edges in Block 2 so you don't inadvertently stretch them. Starch quilt fabric before cutting helps to stabilize these edges.

In a straight set the quilt looks like this.

7 x 9 blocks

The chains line up in horizontal and vertical rows in this diagonal setting.

6 x 8 blocks

Double Irish Chain Quilt Block Variation

Grid: 6x6

This is the only name I've found for this hybrid quilt block that is both a double chain on one diagonal and a single chain on the other. It is also a one block quilt as opposed to the majority of these Double Irish Chain quilt patterns that need two different blocks to complete the chain.

Without the alternate block it creates a much busier quilt than the previous blocks in both the straight block layout. And, of course, there is no room for applique or special quilting.

5 x 7 blocks

...and the diagonal block layout...

4 x 5 blocks

Make the Design Your Own

A big part of quilting is making a design your own. With these suggestions for blocks, why not try your hand at designing your next Double Irish Chain quilt?

This first set of blocks was introduced in "Simple Changes = Knockout Quilt". You can see the block's laid out at Irish Chain Quilt Pattern: Part 2.

Blocks 1 and 2 are our Checkerboard block with four, instead of the usual 3 fabrics. Block 2 contains 3 of the fabrics.

Block 1

Block 2

Block 3

As we saw, not all Irish Chains are two block quilt patterns.

The following 3 blocks all create this pattern with or without a second block. This second block, the alternate is also shown below. Though simple, this alternate block seems to give the design a more 'complete' feeling.

These blocks are based on larger grids which means more pieces and more opportunities for playing with color placement. It'll take a bit more organization to keep track of all the pieces.

Other Names: On the Square 9x9 grid	Other Names: Steps to the Lighthouse 11x11 grid
Other Names: Unknown 11x11 grid	Optional Alternate Quilt Block Use a grid equal to its Block 1 counterpart

If you choose to use the alternate block, you'll have a nice large area to add some special quilting stitches or applique to your Double Irish Chain quilt pattern.

For more information on Irish Chain Quilt Patterns see:

• Irish Chain Quilt Pattern: Part 1
  
• Irish Chain Quilt Pattern: Part 2
  Simple Changes=Knockout Quilts
• Single Irish Chain Quilt Patterns and Blocks
• Triple Irish Chain Quilt Patterns and Blocks
• Quilting an Irish Chain Quilt

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