Single Irish chain..... scrappy
 

Is it practical to make a scrappy Single Irish chain using squares not strips.... I wondered if anyone had done that?

Can't help you but going to see what other members post!

I don't know if it is practical, but I've done it and will do it again.

I think my aunt did one with squares many years ago.

This is how it was done originally. Not as fast, probably not as accurate, but certainly doable.

Sure! Have you ever heard of Bonnie Hunter's enders/leaders quilts? This would be a perfect candidate.

http://quiltville.com/leadersenderspf.html

I made a triple Irish Chain prior to the rotary cutter with templates and sissors. That being said, I don't think I would want to make an Irish chain without rotary cutting and strip piecing, its so much more precise.

did you see this one? http://www.modabakeshop.com/

I 've been a quilter since the day of making templates from cardboard and using scissors, so all my quilts were done this way...including the Irish chains. Yes, it's do able, but it is more time consuming,tedious for accuracy and frankly it adds so much interest in the fabric "sparkle" when completed. Just my thoughts.

It's doable. Another way to get a scrappier look is to make smaller strip sets. Cut your strips in 1/2 or 1/3, then assemble the strip sets.

I also remember those days and totally agree with Jitterbug!! You could make your strips sets to be much shorter making the strips 10" in length thus only making four strips from a strip set that would probably never been noticed and your piecing might be more accurate.

I am making one using scraps from my 1930's fabrics. I cut a bunch of 2.5 inch scrap squares and white 2.5 inch squares and 6.5 inch white blocks It is now about a lap size top. I just need to add a border and decide on a backing. I enjoy sewing small pieces together so it didn't bother me at all. It may not be perfect but I am okay with that.

Oh, I love that! I does look like a lot of work though. You'd have to accurate with all of those corners...yee gads! Still, if it were me, I'd give that a try.

~ Cindy

When I first started quilting we never used strips because everything was scraps left from making our clothes. Believe it or not but it was hard for me to learn how to use strips, layer cakes, and charm packs and all of the fancy tools we have today. The only way we cut fabric was with scissors and if you wanted the width of fabric you would snip one side and rip.

thank you ladies.... as always... love all the answers.... and inspires me to get busy....

I have done them and they aren't difficult but turn out really nice. I tried to remove the picture because it wasn't the one I wanted but it won't "get lost". Sorry

well, I am glad it won't "get lost" for it is lovely. what I wanted to say to you is I love the quilting pattern on this quilt. I is the first time I've seen it, and it works so well on a single Irish Chain. When I get good enough, or IF rather on my machine quilting, I'd like to use it.

[QUOTE=Lisa_wanna_b_quilter;7047762]I don't know if it is practical, but I've done it and will do it again.[/QUOTE

I agree! In fact I'm doing one now for a friend.

Yep... it's totally practical... but it is NOT fast! I always keep leaders/enders projects going anyway, so if I think I'm going to do a triple Irish chain in the near future, that becomes my next leaders/enders set. When I have enough of them, I go ahead and make my blocks up for that quilt top. That's how I did this one out of Christmas fabrics.

My second quilt was a blue single Irish Chain. I made it with three different blues, all on sale at a LQS as I didn't have a stash at all. I think it was made with 9 patches to start with. A very lovely quilt.

The second one, the single Irish chain is even easier, because it's simply 9 patches... I didn't use all different fabrics for each 9 patch, but wish I had now. LOL!

Totally do-able. I did the Burgoyne Surround in a scrappy, after seeing pictures of one someone else on here did. All 1" (finished squares). Yes, it was a humdinger but my daughter and I loved it. I cut the 1.5" squares, literally put them in a bag and shook it up, whatever I pulled out of the bag is what I sewed.!!
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About ten years ago I made a scrappy triple Irish Chain and it is still one 77 my favorite quilts!!! I put all the squares in a bag and pulled them out and sewed them on. The only rule I had was that if it was the same fabric I could pull another one. And I think I allowed myself to cut only three pieces from each fabric. The quilt fits a queen bed

This post is getting better by the minute. I'm glad I came back to it , wonderful Eye Candy has been added. AZJANE....
Burgoyne Surround is one of my top favorite patterns.I love yours and your quilting sets it off perfectly. And yes, the bag/scrap/with the rule of no changing the pop up from the bag is the way to go.(of course with the exception of not the same fabric just used. ) I apologize to others for the bump of this post, but I just loved the additional photos.

I really love your Irish Chain, very nice.... can you explain leaders and enders.... I have seen that before, not sure I understand how you do it.... Also I am not a washer..... and I get scraps from others.... what about prewashing???

I made one last year that was scrappy, and it is a little more work without strips, but it is not difficult. Go for it!

Beautiful quilt and beautiful quilting! I love this so much!

Go to Bonnie Hunter's site http://quiltville.com/leadersenderspf.html. I'm not a washer either and so far haven't had any problems. I always wash my quilts with Color Catchers after they're quilted & bound.

I wouldn't hesitatee.
I've been cutting down my smallest scraps into 1.5" squares. At some point they will go into a quilt. I've done wide borders using them already, they were fun to sew. :) It's all needle and thread, so it's all fun

Or, you could sew a bunch of different shorter colored strips together then cut them. It would be scrappy, yet quicker.

I did my avatar that way! I do something
New with each quilt so I can keep learning
And pulling my hair out!!

I've done several. I find it helps the pattern show better if you choose a solid color like off white opposite the chain pieces. Or, use a solid for the chain & scraps for the background. Either way it looks awesome.