The origin of the Irish Chain quilt pattern is unknown, but it is very old, rumored to go back as far as colonial times. The color arrangement of the fabric pieces creates the "chain" effect. The single chain is made with two contrasting colors or prints, but can also be expanded to make a double, triple, or quadruple chain. The color combinations become more varied and the pattern more complex as chains are added. The chain can go on and on, making a quilt as large as desired. it is only stopped when the quilter decides to end it.