12″ Finished Block: Chains

From the 2026 Sew Flake Mystery Quilt Challenge

April Block One: Chains

Instructions by Julie. Posted by Tia. (See PDF copy)

You will need 3 Fabrics:

1 Background Fabric
2 Different Colored Fabrics

Hint: You can choose light and dark, light and medium or Medium and dark. Let your fabric palette speak to you. Use the Coloring Diagram as needed.

1 – Cut:

Background Fabric:
- Cut (2) 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 blocks
- Cut (1) strip 2 ½ inches x 21 inches
- Cut (1) strip 2 ½ inches x 6 inches

Color Fabric One:
- Cut (1) strip 2 ½ inches x 21 inches

Color Fabric Two:
- Cut (2) 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 blocks
- Cut (1) strip 2 ½ inches x 6 inches

2 – Mark: Mark all the 4 7/8-inch Background Fabric squares with a diagonal line down the middle. This should be done with a light pencil or a removable fabric type of marker. Frixion pens work well.

3 – Sew Squares: Using the Background Fabric squares and the Fabric Two squares, place them right sides together. Sew a scant ¼ inch seam on both sides of the marked diagonal lines.

4 – Cut HST: When sewn, cut the squares into HST by cutting through the solid marked line. Set your seams and press the seam to the darkest fabric side. This should give you (4) 4 ½” squares.

5 – Square Up: To “square up” your HST, place a quilting ruler over the unit so the 45-degree diagonal line on the ruler perfectly aligns with your sewn seam. Trim the edges so the unit measures exactly 4.5” x 4.5”. This ensures all your points will line up perfectly when you sew the block together.

Need a Visual? If you are new to this technique, search “how to square up a half square triangle” online for a quick video demonstration to see it in action.

6 – Sew Long Strips: Using the 21” Background Fabric strip and the Fabric One 21” strip, place right sides together and sew a ¼” straight seam. Set your seam and press the seam towards the dark side of the fabrics.

7 – Sub Cut: Sub cut the strip into (8) 2 ½ inch wide units. They should measure 2 ½ inches wide by 4 ½ inches tall.

8 – Sew Short Strips: Using the Background Fabric 6” strip and the Fabric Two 6” strip, place the right sides together. Sew a ¼ inch straight seam joining the fabrics together. Set the seam and press the fabric to the darker side.

9 – Sub Cut: Sub cut the strip into (2) 2 ½” pieces. They should measure 2 1/2 inches x 4 ½ inches.