It’s that time of year when many of us begin to think of all things Irish! You might pick three or four of your favorites from the free quilt block designs download for a quick wall banner or table runner or perhaps make a single quilt block into a hot pad by adding a layer of Insul-Bright Insulated Lining.

One of our favorite ways to use these free quilt block designs, however, is to make all of them for a lovely Irish sampler quilt. You can even make your sampler quilt into an Irish Chain quilt to create the ultimate in Irish quilt patterns! If you’d prefer to use a quilt pattern that has already been designed, Laura Roberts—designer of these quilt blocks and the Tales of Ireland quilt pattern—has one waiting for you. Tales of Ireland is a free quilt pattern download that features all of the quilt block assembly instructions, and after scrolling to the bottom of the download, you’ll find the quilt assembly instructions.

Some of these quilt blocks are easy, while others are challenging, but all of them together create a memorable Irish-themed quilt. You’ll never get bored working on this project—there are lots of different techniques used and the complete, clear diagrams and instructions take you through every step.

Here are some details about these quilt blocks that you might find interesting:

• Irish Cross | This pretty appliquéd quilt block evokes carved Irish motifs on churches and monuments, and shamrocks growing wild in lush green grass. With our fast fusible web technique, even appliqué novices will have this block completed in no time!
• I Left My Heart In Ireland | This sweet block is like a mini crazy quilt. Step-by-step instructions and diagrams walk you through the crazy piecing process. Once your piecing is complete, use the full-size pattern to cut out the heart shape and fusible web, and then add it to the block background.
• Fairy Ring | Enjoy a bit of hand work as you prepare the ring of hexagons and fussy-cut center hexi for this enchanting quilt block. Once the hexis are prepared, a little machine appliqué is all that remains to complete your Fairy Ring.

• Folktale Circle | One of the easiest quilt blocks in this pattern, the basic stitch-and-flip technique is all you need to create the triangles on the corner and center patches. For quilters with even a little experience, this block can be made in an hour or less!
• Celtic Twist | Learn or brush up on the partial seam technique as you assemble this intriguing patchwork block. Fabric placement is key to the success of this block, and all our diagrams are clearly marked to make your assembly job easy. You’ll be so proud of this stunning block that you may want to make multiples and turn them into your own Irish chain quilt pattern.
• Connemara Flower | Learn or brush up on the partial seam technique as you assemble this intriguing patchwork block. Fabric placement is key to the success of this block, and all our diagrams are clearly marked to make your assembly job easy. You’ll be so proud of this stunning block that you may want to make multiples and turn them into your own Irish chain quilt pattern.

• Celtic Knot | This block is why we fell in love with Irish quilting designs. Make bias fabric tubes and learn to apply them to a background fabric square using the included full-size pattern as your guide to creating the knot. Pressing, pinning, and topstitching tips are included, as are detailed diagrams.
• Treasures From Ireland | Units are arranged diagonally to make this lovely patchwork quilt block. Learn or refresh your skills with setting triangles as you make this anything-but-ordinary quilt block.
• Seven Lucky Shamrocks | Here’s another easy fusible web appliqué quilt block pattern! Machine edge stitching the fused shamrock shapes will take a bit of time, so pour yourself an Irish cream coffee and settle in for a fun sewing session!

• Fairies and Flower Petals | In one of the most intricate quilt blocks in this pattern, the little white and green squares finish at just 1/2″! But no worries, fast strip piecing gets those petite nine-patch units sewn in short order. The diagonal set can be tricky, but our super clear diagrams lead to a fool-proof finish.
• Lucky Clover | There’s a fun piece-and-trim trick in this block’s construction that will have you thinking about where you can use the same technique in other quilts! No special skills are required, just basic stitch-and-flip patchwork and straight seams.
• 40 Shades of Green | This Irish quilt block is a wonderful way to show off your favorite fabric scraps. The block takes some planning and precise placement, but unlike many other clamshell or scallop patterns, no handwork is required. A fusible web technique sets clamshells in place and machine edge stitching secures everything.

Another idea for a fun and quick St. Patrick’s Day quilt: create three simple Irish quilt blocks for a fantastic table runner with three Easter-themed quilt blocks as the backing—a reversible table quilt! Do this with any pair of holidays, and when the second holiday arrives, flip it over and you have instant décor! There are a ton of things you can do to make the perfect quilt for you.

Have fun and may the luck of the Irish be with you!  

Other Irish Quilts You Might Enjoy: