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The Friendship Chain is a traditional pieced quilt block with several published versions, so its finished size and cutting list depend on the pattern you choose. For a straightforward strip-pieced option, Katie Mae Quilts combines four-patches and half-square triangles to make a 12.5-inch unfinished block. American Patchwork & Quilting offers a different block that finishes at 8.5 inches, while AccuQuilt sells a die for a 10-inch finished version.
Choose a Friendship Chain version before cutting
These instructions are alternatives, not interchangeable cutting plans. An unfinished block includes the seam allowance at its outside edges; it becomes smaller when sewn into a quilt. Check whether a pattern gives finished or unfinished dimensions before preparing fabric.
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| Version | Block size | Construction and cutting | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katie Mae Quilts | 12.5 inches unfinished | Strip-pieced four-patches and half-square triangles; rotary-cut fabric | A single block made with a straightforward strip-piecing approach |
| American Patchwork & Quilting | 8.5 inches finished | Individually cut triangles, squares, and rectangles; rotary tools | A smaller block using that publication’s distinct cutting plan |
| AccuQuilt GO! die, item 55441 | 10 inches finished | A Block on Board die cuts a complete three-color block in one pass | Quilters who own or want to use the compatible die-cutting system |
Make the 12.5-inch unfinished Katie Mae version
This method uses strip-pieced four-patches and half-square triangles. Use a rotary cutter, quilting ruler, and cutting mat for the manual cuts.
Cut the fabric
- One red strip, 2.5 by 21 inches
- One background strip, 2.5 by 21 inches
- Two background squares, 5 inches each
- Two star-fabric squares, 5 inches each
- One star-fabric square, 4.5 inches
Make four-patches and half-square triangles
- Sew the red and background strips together along their long edges. Sub-cut the strip set into eight rectangles, each 2.5 by 4.5 inches.
- Pair the rectangles into four-patches, matching the red and background pieces as shown in the block layout. Press the seams open.
- On the wrong side of each 5-inch background square, draw a diagonal line. Place each square right sides together with a 5-inch star square.
- Sew a seam on both sides of the drawn diagonal. Cut along the line to make two half-square-triangle units from each pair, then press the seams toward the star fabric.
- Trim the half-square triangles to 4.5 inches square.
Assemble the block
Arrange four four-patches and four half-square triangles around the 4.5-inch star-fabric square, following the Katie Mae block layout. Sew the units into rows and join the rows. The resulting block measures 12.5 inches unfinished.
See the Katie Mae Quilts Friendship Chain tutorial and layout. Its full quilt pattern includes baby-through-queen sizes, yardage, and precut guidance.
Use the 8.5-inch finished American Patchwork & Quilting plan
This is a separate interpretation, not a scaled version of the Katie Mae block. Its published cutting list uses yellow and blue prints:
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- Three 3⅜-inch squares, each cut diagonally twice
- Two 2-inch squares, each cut diagonally
- One 2-by-5-inch rectangle
- Two 2-inch squares
- Two blue rectangles, 2 by 5 inches
- Six blue rectangles, 2 by 3.5 inches
- Two additional blue 2-inch squares
Follow the publication’s own layout and assembly directions for these pieces; do not substitute the Katie Mae strip set or its half-square-triangle method. View the American Patchwork & Quilting Friendship Chain block.
Use a die for the 10-inch finished version
AccuQuilt’s GO! Friendship Chain-10-inch Finished Die, item 55441, is a Block on Board die. AccuQuilt says it cuts one complete three-color block in one pass and provides free assembly instructions. This is a die-cutting option, rather than a rotary cutting template for either of the manual versions above. Check the product and instructions for compatibility with your cutting system and fabric setup.
Rank #4
- Friendship quilt pattern is a quick and easy yet totally stunning multi-sized quilt pattern
- 3 Sizes: Throw, Twin XL, and Queen sizes
- Varying hues of a single color create a gradating ombre colorwash that just draws you in with its beauty
- Fabric selection is simple
- Choose 5 color hues from light to dark, and you're all set
See AccuQuilt’s GO! Friendship Chain die, item 55441 or open its assembly instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the name appears in quilt history
Friendship Chain is not tied to just one published layout or name. A Ripley family quilt dated 1851–1855 in the Smithsonian collection identifies the pattern as Friendship Chain, Album, or Chimney Sweep. Many of its blocks are signed and dated; the record notes an inscription by Adaline Swan of Northfield, Massachusetts, in 1851. A later historical account says the pattern appeared under Nancy Cabot in April 1934 and was also called Cross Patch and Album in other publications.
Best Value
- Jelly Roll friendly - like all Cozy Strip Club patterns, it starts with 2 ½" strips
- Chain Link is perfect for any jelly roll, bali pop, strip treat and or scraps! With background and just a touch of accent, this terrific pattern features beautiful stars in a radiating pattern
- Designed by Georgette Dell'Orco
- Includes instructions for four different project sizes: 36" x 26 (Baby), 60" x 60" (Throw), 84" x 84" (Queen), and 108" x 108" (King)
- Full-color instructions
“The storm-cloud comes o’er the autumn sky / And the flow’rets in their beauty die,”
For the historical naming and publication account, see Rogers’ historical publication on quilt patterns.
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