- Background (muslin)
- Light (faded chambray)
- Dark (indigo)
Block No. 33 · seven-patch
Chain Link Quilt Block
Part of: Quilt Blocks Using Squares And Rectangles
Chain Link uses four interlocking rectangular units around a small center square. Its apparent overlaps come from alternating fabric colors, while a partial seam lets the sections fit together.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Grid
- 7 × 7
- Pieces
- 21
Chart
Cutting for a 14" block
7 × 7 grid. All cuts fall on 1/8" ruler marks. Unfinished block: 14 1/2".
| Fabric | Shape | Cut | Size | Then | Pieces used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background | Square | 4 | 4 1/2" square | Use as cut | 4 |
| Background | Square | 5 | 2 1/2" square | Use as cut | 5 |
| Light | Square | 2 | 2 1/2" square | Use as cut | 2 |
| Light | Rectangle | 2 | 2 1/2" × 8 1/2" | Use as cut | 2 |
| Light | Rectangle | 2 | 2 1/2" × 4 1/2" | Use as cut | 2 |
| Dark | Square | 2 | 2 1/2" square | Use as cut | 2 |
| Dark | Rectangle | 2 | 2 1/2" × 8 1/2" | Use as cut | 2 |
| Dark | Rectangle | 2 | 2 1/2" × 4 1/2" | Use as cut | 2 |
Method
Piecing steps
Step 1: Cut the squares and rectangles from the chart and keep the two chain colors separate.
Step 2: For each unit, sew the small colored square above a small background square. Add the narrow colored rectangle beside that pair, then the large background square. Add the long contrasting strip across the bottom. Make four 8 1/2" by 6 1/2" units, alternating their colors as shown.
Step 3: Place the center square beside the first unit's long strip. Sew only halfway along the center-square edge, leaving the rest open.
Step 4: Add the next unit across the complete adjacent edge. Continue around with the third and fourth units, pressing away from the center.
Step 5: Fold the first unit back into position and finish the partial seam from the earlier stopping point to the outside edge.
Step 6: Join the sections with a consistent 1/4-inch seam, pressing between seams. Check that the unfinished block measures 14 1/2" square.