Creating a quilt can be both an art and a therapeutic activity. The Iva’s Scrappy Irish Chain Quilt is a timeless design that embodies charm and tradition.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into how to make this classic pattern and provide you with all the essential fabric cuts, measurements, and a step-by-step guide.
Let’s get started!
What is the Iva’s Scrappy Irish Chain Quilt?
The Iva’s Scrappy Irish Chain Quilt is a stunning and versatile quilt pattern that incorporates a variety of fabrics, typically from scraps, giving each quilt a unique, colorful flair. This quilt follows the classic Irish Chain design but adds a scrappy twist, making it a perfect project for quilters who love to use up their leftover fabrics.
In the world of quilt patterns, the Irish Chain is known for its simplicity and striking visual effect. By using different fabric scraps, you can make each version of the Iva’s Scrappy Irish Chain Quilt distinct. This quilt is perfect for both beginner and experienced quilters due to its straightforward design and creative possibilities.
The design of this quilt allows for endless customization. Whether you want to make it in bold colors or soft pastels, the scrappy approach ensures that no two quilts are ever alike. It’s a perfect way to experiment with color combinations and use up fabric scraps from previous projects.
Choosing Fabrics for the Iva’s Scrappy Irish Chain Quilt
When selecting fabrics for your Scrappy Irish Chain Quilt, creativity is key. The beauty of this pattern lies in its use of various fabrics, so it’s an excellent opportunity to make use of those small fabric pieces you’ve been saving. However, be sure to select fabrics that work harmoniously together to avoid overwhelming the overall design.
The primary fabric pieces you’ll need are scraps for the “chain” and a solid background fabric to allow the chain design to pop. Consider choosing a neutral solid fabric, such as white, cream, or gray, for the background, as it will balance the more colorful scraps used in the quilt’s chain.
For a balanced look, aim for a mix of light, medium, and dark fabrics in your scraps. This variation will create depth and dimension in the quilt. If you’re unsure which fabrics to combine, lay them out beforehand to see how they look together before cutting.
Cutting Your Fabrics: Measurements and Layout
To create an Iva’s Scrappy Irish Chain Quilt, precision in cutting fabric pieces is crucial. The layout typically consists of alternating chain blocks and solid blocks, and the measurements below will guide you through the process for a quilt measuring approximately 60” x 70”. Adjust the measurements accordingly if you desire a different size.
Materials Needed:
- Scraps for chain blocks: Various prints and colors
- Background fabric: 3 yards of solid fabric
- Binding fabric: ½ yard
- Backing fabric: 4 yards
- Batting: 60” x 70”
Cutting Instructions:
- From the scrap fabrics, cut 144 squares of 2.5” x 2.5” for the chain blocks.
- From the background fabric, cut 35 squares of 6.5” x 6.5” and 144 squares of 2.5” x 2.5”.
- For the binding, cut 6 strips of 2.5” x WOF (width of fabric).
These cuts will form the foundation of your quilt. Be sure to cut with care to ensure that your blocks will fit together perfectly.
Assembling the Quilt Blocks
Now that you have all your fabric pieces cut, it’s time to start assembling the blocks. The Scrappy Irish Chain Quilt is made up of alternating chain blocks and solid blocks. The chain blocks are where your scrap fabrics will shine.
Step 1: Making the Chain Blocks
To create the chain blocks, start by sewing together your 2.5” x 2.5” squares. Each block will consist of a 3×3 grid of alternating scrap and background squares, creating a checkerboard effect. You’ll need a total of 16 chain blocks for this quilt.
Chain-piecing can make this process go much faster. Sew all of your rows together, and then sew the rows to each other to complete the block. Press the seams open for a flat, smooth finish.
Step 2: Assembling the Solid Blocks
The solid blocks are simple 6.5” x 6.5” squares of your background fabric. You’ll need 35 solid blocks to complete the quilt. These blocks will serve as the spaces between the chain blocks, allowing the scrappy chains to stand out.
Lay out your chain and solid blocks in a 9×9 grid, alternating between chain blocks and solid blocks to create the Irish Chain pattern.
Sewing the Quilt Top Together
Once you’ve assembled all your blocks, it’s time to sew the quilt top. Begin by sewing the blocks together in rows. Start with the first row and continue until all nine rows are complete. Each row will alternate between chain blocks and solid blocks.
After you’ve sewn the rows, press the seams of each row in opposite directions. This will help your blocks nest together perfectly when you sew the rows together. Sew the rows to each other, completing your quilt top.
Take your time aligning the blocks to ensure the chain pattern remains consistent across the quilt. The alternating chain and solid blocks create a stunning visual effect when the quilt top is complete.
Adding the Backing, Batting, and Binding
Now that the quilt top is finished, it’s time to assemble the quilt sandwich. Lay out your backing fabric (wrong side up), place the batting on top, and then position your quilt top (right side up) on the batting. Smooth out any wrinkles and pin the layers together using safety pins or basting spray.
Step 1: Quilting
You can quilt the layers together in any design you choose. A simple grid or diagonal lines following the chain pattern can enhance the overall look. If you’re comfortable with free-motion quilting, feel free to get creative with your design!
Step 2: Binding the Quilt
Finally, bind the edges of the quilt using the 2.5” strips you cut earlier. Sew the strips together to form one long binding strip, fold it in half, and then sew it to the edges of the quilt. Fold the binding over and hand-stitch it to the back of the quilt for a clean, finished look.
Final Thoughts on Iva’s Scrappy Irish Chain Quilt
The Iva’s Scrappy Irish Chain Quilt is a beautiful way to showcase your collection of fabric scraps while creating a classic, timeless quilt. Whether you’re making this quilt as a gift or for yourself, the scrappy design adds a personal touch to the traditional Irish Chain pattern.
By following the steps above, you’ll have a quilt that’s both visually stunning and rich in history. So, gather your fabric scraps, grab your quilting supplies, and get started on your own Iva’s Scrappy Irish Chain Quilt today!
