Double Irish Chain Math Help

7 months ago

Hello! It's been FOREVER since I have pulled out my machine, and even LONGER since I popped in here. I hope this post finds all of you well. Life took some crazy turns the past few years, though we have come out the other side still counting our blessings. My children have all grown and flown the nest, and my daughter is expecting our first grandchild this Spring. Eek! Super excited and find myself wanting to make a baby quilt this weekend while hunkered down in this ice storm. I've grabbed my stash and decided on a double irish chain, 2 colors, with smaller squares, similar to this one, minus the border.

It's been so long, my brain simply cannot math this. Can any of you help?

If I use 1.5" strips for the alternating color blocks, what size do I need to cut the second block and strips...3.5" for the center and then (4) 3.5x1.5 strips plus (4) 1.5" blocks around that ? Will this give me a finished block size of 10"? I think I'm confusing myself! LOL

Thank you for taking time to read this and help! I'm going to scroll through and see all the lovely projects y'all have been making. Happy Sunday! ~ Larri

Featured Answer

nannykins

6 months ago

But you created a new design. i will bet that is how many patterns are born.

The finished quilt is lovely, sure to be treasured!

Theresa

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Comments (9)

msmeow
7 months ago
last modified: 7 months ago
Hello! That will be a pretty baby quilt.

1-1/2” strips/squares will give you a 5” finished block size. Your centers would be cut 2-1/2” and the side strips 1-1/2” x 2-1/2”.

To get 10” blocks you’d need 2-1/2” squares, 2-1/2 x 5-1/2 strips, and 5-1/2 center squares.

I think my math is correct. You could draw the two blocks on a grid and add 1/4” seam allowances to check.

Donna
LD thanked msmeow
LD
Original Author
7 months ago
I knew something wasn't adding up right! Thank you, Donna!
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msmeow
7 months ago
Please post pictures when it’s done!
LD
Original Author
6 months ago
Well, I thought I wanted the smaller squares; however, after doing a test run, I decided the 2.5 strips would be easier and I'd be more likely to finish. The tiny block took so much time, my brain was fatigued. I stopped and sewed up a goose lovey before I started on the larger blocks. Hopefully, I'll have the quilt finished by midweek to share with you. Thanks again for your math help!
msmeow
6 months ago
I also think the larger size is better for a baby quilt. The goose is so cute!
LD thanked msmeow
LD
Original Author
6 months ago
Well, I didn't get it finished in time for the baby shower; however, she's seen it and is excited to have a quilt for the nursery. I ran into a snag while laying out the blocks. It took several minutes to realize I had sewn the checkered blocks wrong. See that configuration below, as well as the final top. What a difference it makes in a quilt design! Hoping to finish this week, though I may not be able to get back into the sewing space until next week. Thanks again for your help with the math! :)
msmeow
6 months ago
Very nice, Larri! I agree with Theresa, the ”wrong” version creates an interesting design, too.
LD thanked msmeow
loisflan
6 months ago
Larri, I think your quilt top looks great. Your daughter will be so happy to get such a lovely gift from you. Congratulations on your upcoming grandparenthood. I’ll never forget the feeling of holding my child’s child. It was such an amazing feeling.
LD thanked loisflan