Irish Chain (9-patch) Quilt Tutorial Part 3
This is a continuation of our tutorial on how we make an Irish Chain (nine-patch) quilt. If you are just joining us now, Part 1 and Part 2 may be found by clicking on either link. We have made several Irish Chain quilts and shared them and here are a few examples: Gray Polka Dot Quilt Finished, Light Green Baby Quilt Finished and An Aqua Story – Finding Nemo Finished. I hope you enjoy seeing them. ~smile~
Irish Chain Strip Cutting
The strip sets are all sewn and ready to be cut. You should three pattern/solid/pattern strip sets and two solid/pattern/solid strip sets. Each strip set should measure five inches across, and will now be cut into two inch segments:
Pictured above is the middle sections – solid/pattern/solid. You will need 32 of them. The other strip sets will be the opposite or outside sections – pattern/solid/pattern. You will need 64 of them.
Soon you will need the solid five inch (5″) squares you cut in Part 1.
Irish Chain Sewing Blocks
Because the strip set seams were ironed in alternating directions, they nest easily when matched with right sides together:
Take one outside and one middle section with right sides together, making sure the seams nest. Sew together with a scant 1/4″ seam allowance. This is another time when you may chain sew since you are making 32 blocks:
When you have a few sewn together, clip the thread between them. It’s time to iron again. First set the seam, as shown below. I press toward the outside strip set which is why that set is on top:
It is time to add the second outside strip set to complete the block. Again, make sure to nest the seams when adding the outside set to the inside set with right sides together. Sew a scant 1/4″ seam allowance. Set the seam and then press to the dark side:
Again, because the outside strip set is on top, the seam is pressed in that direction. Complete 32 blocks in this manner.
Irish Chain Blocks and Rows
Up next is sewing the blocks into rows, and sewing the rows into the quilt top. Then we’ll layer it and make some suggestions for quilting. I’m trying a new technique on this quilt, so I’ll share that process with you as well. ~smile~
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