Riley Blake Chain Reaction: Wreaths & Bulbs - Downloadable PDF

Chain Reaction: Wreaths & Bulbs — Free Downloadable Quilt Pattern by Sandy Gervais for Riley Blake Designs

Designed by Sandy Gervais and published by Riley Blake Designs, Chain Reaction: Wreaths & Bulbs is a free downloadable PDF quilt pattern that expands on the original Chain Reaction block system. Rated advanced in difficulty, this pattern guides quilters through constructing multiple decorative holiday-themed blocks and quilt layouts, all built upon a single versatile foundation block. The pattern is a celebration of modular quilting — one core block, endlessly recombined to create festive seasonal designs.

The Chain Reaction Block System

At the heart of this pattern is the Chain Block, a 5-inch base square that serves as the foundational unit for every design in this collection. A companion unit, the Alternate Chain Block, is created through a single modification to the original Chain Block, dramatically expanding the range of possible layouts and compositions. Together, these two blocks form the building blocks for larger, more complex holiday motifs.

Quilters are directed to reference the free companion pattern, Chain Reaction, available on the Riley Blake Designs website, for complete base block construction instructions. A basic knowledge of quilting technique and terminology is required before beginning this pattern.

Key Construction Notes

• All measurements include a ¼-inch seam allowance
• Pieces are sewn with right sides together unless otherwise stated
• Seam allowances are pressed as indicated in the pattern diagrams
• Quilters are advised to check the Riley Blake Designs website for any pattern revisions before beginning
• Block and quilt diagrams are virtual images; finished results may vary with actual fabric

Holly Block Design

The Holly Block is one of the primary holiday motifs in this pattern. It is constructed using a classic nine-patch assembly method, combining Chain Blocks with a central Holly square and coordinating Background pieces. The completed Holly Block measures 11½ inches × 11½ inches (unfinished). Rows are sewn individually and then joined together to complete the block, a straightforward but precise process that rewards careful pressing and accurate cutting.

Holly Block Requirements

• Chain Blocks based on the 5-inch base square
• A central Holly square cut to the specified size
• Background pieces cut and arranged within the nine-patch layout

Wreath Block Design

The Wreath Block is another featured holiday motif, constructed by combining Chain Blocks with specifically cut Wreath and Background rectangles. This block showcases how the Chain Block system can be adapted to create curved or circular visual effects through careful fabric placement and color selection, even without curved piecing techniques.

Wreath Block Requirements

• 4 Chain Blocks (5-inch base square each)
• 4 Wreath rectangles cut at 2½ inches × 2¾ inches
• 1 Background rectangle cut at 2½ inches × 7 inches
• 2 Background rectangles cut at 2½ inches × 2¾ inches

Wreath Block Assembly

• Sew 1 Wreath rectangle and 1 Background rectangle (2½ × 2¾ inches) together along the 2½-inch edge
• Sew the resulting pieced unit between 2 Chain Blocks to create a Wreath Half measuring 5 inches × 11½ inches
• Repeat to create 2 Wreath Halves, which are then joined to complete the full Wreath Block

Bulbs Design

As indicated by the pattern title, Wreaths & Bulbs also includes a Bulbs motif — a holiday ornament-inspired design that further demonstrates the versatility of the Chain and Alternate Chain Block system. Like the Wreath and Holly blocks, the Bulbs design is