Moda Fabrics Simple Chain 2 Quilt - Downloadable PDF

Moda Fabrics Simple Chain 2 Quilt Pattern Summary

The Simple Chain 2 Quilt by Moda Fabrics is a downloadable PDF quilting pattern that guides intermediate quilters through constructing a classic Nine Patch Chain quilt measuring a generous 66 inches by 78 inches. This is a lap or throw-sized quilt that combines traditional patchwork block construction with structured sashing, an inner border, and a pieced border to create an elegant, interlocking chain visual effect. The pattern is available as a free download, making it an excellent project for quilters looking to develop their strip-piecing and block assembly skills without any upfront cost.

Design Overview

The quilt centers on the timeless Nine Patch Chain block, a design rooted in classic American quiltmaking. The chain effect is achieved by carefully arranging pieced Nine Patch blocks with background sashing and setting squares, creating the illusion of a continuous interlocking chain across the quilt surface. The design is further framed by a structured inner border and a more complex pieced border that incorporates additional patchwork units, tying the overall composition together with visual cohesion.

Techniques Used

• Strip piecing: The foundation of this pattern is efficient strip-set construction. Chain fabric strips are sewn together into strip sets, then subcut into segments to build Nine Patch blocks quickly and accurately.
• Nine Patch block construction: Multiple strip sets are assembled and cross-cut to create the classic three-by-three grid blocks that form the chain design.
• Sashing and setting: Background sashing strips and squares are used to separate and frame the Nine Patch blocks, reinforcing the chain pattern across the quilt top.
• Pieced border construction: Rather than a simple solid border, this pattern includes a pieced border that incorporates dedicated chain strips, background units, and corner blocks for a polished, coordinated finish.
• Inner border application: A straight-cut inner border is applied before the pieced outer border, adding visual separation between the quilt center and the decorative outer edge.
• Binding: The pattern includes yardage for binding, completing the quilt with a traditional finished edge.

Stitches and Quilting Methods

• Quarter-inch seam allowance: Standard quilting seam allowances are used throughout all block and border construction.
• Straight-line machine sewing: All piecing is done with straight stitches on a sewing machine, making this pattern well-suited to quilters comfortable with machine quilting techniques.
• Subcut and strip-set method: A core quilting technique where long sewn strip sets are pressed and then subcut into precise segments, ensuring consistent block sizing and reducing cutting time.

Materials Required

Fabric

• Nine Patch Chain fabric: 21 strips cut 2½ inches by width of fabric (WOF), used for the chain blocks, sashing squares, and pieced border units.
• Background fabric: 3½ yards, subcut into a variety of pieces including 10½-inch x WOF strips (subcut into 10½ x 22-inch and 10½ x 2½-inch pieces), 6½-inch x WOF strips (subcut into 6½ x 22-inch and 6½ x 2½-inch pieces), and 4½ x 4½-inch squares for the pieced border, as well as numerous 2½-inch WOF strips for the inner and pieced borders.
• Border and binding fabric: 1¼ yards, providing material for the outer border framing and the finishing binding strips.
• Backing fabric: 4 yards, sufficient to back the full 66 x 78-inch quilt.

Key Cutting Details

• From the 21 chain strips: 7 strips are set aside specifically for the pieced border; 13 strips are cut in half to yield 26 strips at 2½ x 22 inches for block construction; 1 strip