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I've really been thinking about making this for my step dad, because he's part Irish and this would mean a lot to him if I did. But I'm wondering though, does anyone know if it would be possible to use a charm pack for the white (background fabric) instead of having to cut yardage? *Yes, I like using pre-cuts, it makes it easier on me when I have a hard time cutting yardage fabric - thank god for pre-cuts ha*
Hi CJ,
I don't think charm packs would work for this particular method. As far as I can see the nine patch blocks would work out at 6 1/2 inches square so the white blocks need to be 6 1/2 inches square also. I haven't used charm packs yet but I believe they would be 5 inches square, so too small. However, given my inexperience, I'm sure someone else would be more knowledgeable on the subject that I am.
Hope this helps :)
Ro
Quote:
Originally Posted by shorte85
If you're using 2" strips for the blocks you could use charm packs, but I think it might be easier just to cut the background squares instead of cutting strips. Either way, you're going to be cutting. I LOVE Irish Chains!
I also love the Irish Chain and have made two king size ones.....purchased 8 yards of my main color of fabric, was able to make two matching pillow cases and have a few bits left over.....don't remember the yardage I purchased of my other color...my SO loved it!
I'm curious if you change the size of the chain a bit, if it doesn't end up being the "irish chain quilt pattern" anymore?
Like for example, using 10" layer cake for the white background square instead of 6 1/2" square. Does that make sense?
So it would look like this:
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/172...1dc9c38b6d.png
If you made your background squares larger, you would have to make the 9 patches an equivalent percentage larger so the blocks would meet. I'm not sure I followed your statement. Your blocks can be any size you want them, but they still need to meet. I made a larger block on my very first chain, and it lost a lot of the chain effect. I think 2.5 strips or smaller makes a pretty chain where the pattern shows up nicely.
Well I just looked closer at your diagram, and I see what you are taking about. Adding addtl strips, not necessarily a 9 patch but a 20 patch. The effect is still the same.