Provided herein is a method, including creating a first layer over a substrate, wherein the first layer is configured for directed self-assembly of a block copolymer thereover; creating a continuous second layer over the first layer by directed self-assembly of a block copolymer, wherein the second layer is also configured for directed self-assembly of a block copolymer thereover; and creating a third layer over the continuous second layer by directed self-assembly of a block copolymer. Also provided is an apparatus, comprising a continuous first layer comprising a thin film of a first, phase-separated block copolymer, wherein the first layer comprises a first chemoepitaxial template configured for directed self-assembly of a block copolymer thereon; and a second layer on the first layer, wherein the second layer comprises a thin film of a second, phase-separated block copolymer.