Not Your Traditional Irish Chain Quilt

Do you have a quilt that got you interested in quilt making?

Here is mine. My grandmother made an Irish Chain quilt for me (probably in the late 60s or early 70s). I loved the quilt and when it began to wear out I wanted another one for my bed.

This was a very traditional Irish chain -- which I now think is a bit boring. 

​Our tastes change over the years -- and that can definitely be a good thing.

Traditional Irish Chain Quilt Made by Martha Keller (circa 1960s)

This traditional Irish Chain consisted of two blocks that would be super easy to draft in EasyDraw.

Irish Chain Block 1 - Five by Five Grid

Irish Chain Block 2 - Also drafted with 5 x 5 Snap Points. If you are replicating Martha's quilt, put applique squares in the corners.

But I wanted to explore something more.  What if we drafted a similar type of design but varied the distance between the lines?

In the video I explore what that would look like with columns and rows that are different sizes. 

And then add a touch of applique (from the EQ library) for the center.  

Irish Chain Block 1 Variation

Irish Chain Block 2 Variation 1

Irish Chain Block 2 Variation 2

If you use Symmetry you can also quickly rotate the blocks for a more random placement of those applique motifs.

Irish Chain Variation Option 1

Irish Chain Variation Option 2

Check out the video for more details on drafting these blocks and quilts.

As you work through the video, think through how you would modify the design.  I would love to see what you do to my Grandmother's Irish Chain quilt. 

​I've set up a post in the Learning EQ Facebook group where you can share your ideas.

Learning EQ Facebook Group Irish Chain Variation Post

To inspire you, I though I would share a few chain designs by some Tech Know Quilter members.  I loved seeing how they thought outside the box.

Pat Harkin

Rick Danner I immediately think of Beleek China. Clean minimalist design. For me, these quilts would get amped up with the quilting. I just got a huge set of asymmetrical curve long arm rulers that can create some delicious interlocking designs that would really set these quilts on fire.

Kristy Goodin Soard when I read the words crossing blocks, my thoughts immediately went to a darling rosebud block I had seen on Pinterest.

Kristy Goodin Soard

Joyce Drenth In browsing Pinterest, I happened upon an interesting crossover Irish Chain design and decided that I wanted to attempt to figure out its layout.

Suzanne Golden

Suzanne Golden

Barbara Bobbitt

Tech Know Quilter's only opens enrollment to new members a few times a year.  Send me a note if you would like more information on joining.

Note that Tech Know Quilter's classes are all virtual and can be completed at your convenience from the comfort of your own home.

Happy quilting.

​Kari

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