Irish Chain (Jennys Tutorial), Need Help

Hi everyone,

I am trying to make the Irish Chain quilt as per Jenny's instructions on her tutorial on YouTube. According to the video, you have one solid jelly roll to one coloured and one yard of background fabric to make a twin size quilt (62" x 72"). For a king size quilt(101" x 101") you need 2 solid jelly rolls, 2 coloured jelly rolls and 2 yards of background fabric.

You sew the 2 1/2" strips white/coloured/white x 1 and coloured/white/coloured x 2. The tutorial says to make 13 of white/coloured/white and 26 of coloured/white/coloured. I bought 2 plain Moda snow jelly rolls and 2 coloured jelly rolls, (Covent Garden by Benartex as per the video). According to the tutorial this should be enough to make a king size quilt.

So here is my problem. When I started sewing them together tonight, I can only get 13 white/col/white and 13 col/white/col out of two jelly rolls. In order to get another 13 col/white/col I will have to use half of another 2 jelly rolls. Have I done something wrong?

If not, I guess this means I am going to have to order more jelly rolls. I'm fairly new to quilting so not great when it comes to calculating fabric amounts. How much more should I order? Also, it says I need 2 yards of background fabric for the king size, but I guess I may need more? Would really appreciate any help I can get on this. This will be my first quilt, and it's my first time using jelly rolls so not very familiar with how it all works.

Thanks

Ro

I haven't made a king size one yet but I have it on my list to make for myself. Let me know what you find out :)

If your jelly rolls have 42 strips in them (that's what I was figuring on) you are going to need to buy 2 more colored and one more white. It's too bad, because you will only be using 4 strips out of the 4th colored roll. But then you could maybe use the rest of the roll for a piano key border or binding or matching pillows or something.

I'm not sure on how much extra yardage, but to be safe I'd order another 2 yards (4 yards total) and if you have extra there it will be ok because you can always use white for something.

You doubled the number of units so if you apply that to the size, you will double in only ONE direction. 62x72 becomes 124x72. You'll need more to extend in the other direction. Not sure how much though, since you probably won't go all the way to 124"

How many strips come in a jelly roll? 40?

If its 42, you should be getting 14 strip sets.

And you aren't doubling the size of the quilt dimensions.... Just making it 101x101 instead of 62x72

I finished up an Irish Chain throw this afternoon. It was my 4th. I love that pattern, so simple but pretty. I haven't seen Jenny's tutorial, but a tip if it isn't in the tutorial, press your strip seams to the light side. Example, if your strip is colored/white/colored, then press the seems inward to the white. If its white/colored/white press out to the white. This will make your little 9 patches snuggie up nicely. Have fun putting it together and show pictures!

FYI - there is a new block swap starting soon for an Irish chain using Jenny's tutorial.

Depends on the manufacturer. Some have 42, some have less.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mchelem

How many strips come in a jelly roll? 40?

If its 42, you should be getting 14 strip sets.

And you aren't doubling the size of the quilt dimensions.... Just making it 101x101 instead of 62x72

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Thank you for all the replies, that has certainly cleared up somethings for me.

Karen, that is what I figured, more jelly rolls to be bought. I don't mind having some left over, I would rather have too much than too little. Thank you for doing the maths as I wasn't sure what to order :)

Mchelem, there are 40 strips in each of the jelly rolls, and if all goes well, the quilt top should look just like the one behind Jenny in the tutorial.

Nurrsey, thanks for the tip on the block swap, not exactly sure what that is, (very new to the site and quilting) but I shall go and investigate.

Ginny, I will definitely post when I have it done and give you all the details of how much fabric was used.

Yeeehawterri, It could be a while, but I will definitely post photos.

Thanks again everyone

Ro

Hi Ladies! After you have figured out how to make the single Irish chain, please join my swap group
New Quilter Block Exchange 2 - Single Irish Chain with a twist
http://forum.missouriquiltco.com/group.php

We will be making two 9 patch blocks, 2 rail fence blocks for every player. We need 25 players to complete this quilt. It will have a scrappy but organized patriotic feel.
Follow the link above and join in the fun and don't forget to look at the other up coming swaps that are available as well.

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:

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Originally Posted by shorte85

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*

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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.