– Lin Clements
WHAT ARE CHAIN DESIGNS?
A chain design is a name sometimes given to a patchwork arrangement where a strong diagonal line appearance is created by emphasising diagonal elements of the piecing. Irish Chain is perhaps the most well-known of these types of quilt layout. Such designs are usually composed of squares and rectangles and the blocks that make up the design may be called ‘chain link’ or ‘lattice’ blocks. The simple but effective layout of the basic chain design is thought to date back to the early 1800s, with the pattern being known in America around 1814. shows a simple two-block layout. Even such a simple design has an appealing, and quite modern, graphic quality. Developments of the basic design have led to variations over the years, including double and triple chains – shows some examples. In fact, any block with strong diagonal elements can be used to create a chain design. Apart from the strong visual appearance, chain designs are also perfect for showcasing other blocks and additional patchwork, appliqué
