A Colorful Irish Chain Quilt

If you’re looking for a quilt that’s simple to sew but full of color and charm, you’ll love this one. My new Patches and Squares pattern puts a fresh spin on the traditional Irish Chain quilt—and it’s beginner-friendly, fast to piece, and fun to finish.

At first glance, this quilt looks intricate—but it’s made with just two block types and a curated mix of eight fabrics. The chain design creates a striking secondary pattern, while the squares let your prints shine.

Whether you’ve been quilting for years or just getting started, this is a pattern that makes the process as enjoyable as the final result.

Why This Pattern Works So Well

• Beginner-friendly construction with step-by-step diagrams
• Uses eight ½-yard cuts—no need to overthink your fabric pull
• Designed for large-scale, small-scale, or directional prints
• Built with strip piecing, not tiny squares
• Includes cutting diagrams, mockups, and a quilt planning sheet

A Little History: What Is an Irish Chain Quilt?

Irish Chain quilts are a beloved traditional design known for their repeating grid of squares that form chain-like patterns across the quilt top. They come in single, double, and triple variations, depending on how many layers of “chain” run through the quilt.

Most single Irish Chain quilts feature just one or two prints and a lot of background fabric. But in this pattern, we’re doing things a little differently.

A Multi Color Irish Chain Quilt, Simplified

I designed the Patches and Squares quilt to keep the charm of a traditional Irish Chain while letting you use eight favorite prints. It still creates that classic chain effect, but with a more vibrant, colorful finish.

And instead of piecing it square by square—which you could do by cutting one large square and four small squares from each fabric—I’ve written the pattern for efficient strip piecing, which speeds things up and makes everything easier to align.

This version is perfect for showing off a half-yard bundle, or for pulling coordinated prints from your stash. You’ll get that scrappy look, without the fuss.

Fabric Requirements

• ½ yard each of 8 print fabrics
• 1½ yards background fabric (white recommended)
• 3½ yards backing
• ½ yard binding
• Batting: 60″ x 78″

What’s Inside the Pattern

• Finished quilt size: 52″ x 70″
• Clear instructions + diagrams
• Cutting diagrams for each fabric
• 9 color mockups for inspiration
• Quilt planning sheet to test your own colors

See It in Action

To help you visualize how it works with different fabrics, I made three samples using Cloud9 collections: Arundel, Book Club, and Autumn Walk. Each one gives the quilt a totally different look—and they all came together in just a few days.

Ready to Make Your Own?

Grab your favorite half yard bundle, download the Patches and Squares Quilt Pattern in my shop or on Etsy and start sewing your own colorful Irish Chain quilt.

Tag your progress with #patchesandsquaresquilt @tangledthreadsbyjen on Instagram, I’d love to see what you create!

Happy quilting!

P.S. If you’re new to finishing quilts, check out my binding tutorial for tips on adding the perfect finish.