9-patch with alternating solid squares.
The corners and center of the 9-patch could be colored with alternating white squares, or flip it. White corners and center of the 9-patch with alternating colored squares. One gives you a "chain" of color, the other a "chain" of white.
Pretty quick and easy. Machine quilt diagonally through the chain. Done.
Did the white chain for my younger daughter. Turned out super-cute. It's scrappy, too.