A favorite block size is 8 inches. However, the chain connector block seems to work better as a 9 patch block and that is not easily divisible as an 8 inch block. I was watching a Lori Holt video (I love her quilts even though I’ve never made one of them) and she was making an 8″ chain connector block. And of course, I set out to make that block with my AccuQuilt dies. These are the measurements for that block.

As always, I have a stack of star blocks that will work perfectly with some chain connector blocks. These are floating stars – all scrappy – made with a custom die that I had made by Custom Shape Pros through the AccuQuilt website.

This is how I made the connectors.
For each block:
Die | # to Cut | Size to cut |
2″ strip cutter | 2 each | 2″ x 8-1/2″ dark strips 2″ x 8-1/2″ light strips |
2-1/2″ strip cutter | 4 | 2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ light rectangles |
2-1/2″ strip cutter | 1 | 2-1/2″ dark square |
Sew the light and dark strips together, press to the dark strip, and then subcut with the 2″ strip cutter into pairs to make the corner four patch units.





And this is the mockup from EQ8 of the connector blocks and the floating stars.
Thanks. Looks great
Hi Doris – this makes such an easy chain connector. 9-patch blocks are not my favorite – I’ve gotten so used to the 4 x 4 blocks from AccuQuilt, but these are perfect to use without sashing.
I love how you can take ideas from others and convert to Accuquilt. The best part is your willingness to share your knowledge! Many thanks!
Hi Deborah, I don’t know how I would quilt without the die cutting system. It makes things go so much faster and there’s so much to do and so little time. LOL.
Adds so much dimension to the quilt.
Thank you Annette.
Thank you for sharing. I’m learning so much from you.
Hi Janet, And there is so much to learn. I feel like I learn something new every day.