Churn Dash Quilt Block Pattern

New to quilting? Click here for a beginner in-depth sewing class covering all the basics.

How to Sew a Churn Dash Quilt Block

The Churn Dash is a beloved traditional quilt block that has been popular for generations. It’s a great block for showcasing two contrasting fabrics.

Materials:

• Fabric in at least two contrasting colors
• Rotary cutter or scissors, cutting mat & ruler
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Iron and ironing board

Cut your fabric:

• One 4½" center square (Color A)
• Four 2½" squares in Color A
• Four 2½" squares in Color B
• Two 2½" × 6½" rectangles in Color B

Instructions:

1. Pair one 2½" Color A square with one 2½" Color B square, right sides together. Sew along one edge. Repeat to make 4 two-square units.
2. Sew a 2½" × 6½" Color B rectangle to the top and bottom of two of the two-square units to create the churn dash side units.
3. Sew one churn dash unit to each side of the center square, pressing seams toward the churn dash pieces as you go.
4. Continue adding units to all four sides of the center square until the block is complete.
5. Press all seams with an iron toward the churn dash pieces.
6. Repeat to make as many Churn Dash blocks as needed for your quilt.

Mix and match colors across blocks for a scrappy, eclectic look — or keep a consistent palette for a classic finish. Happy quilting!

Making Half-Square Triangles

This technique eliminates the need to directly manipulate the stretchy bias of the triangle. It uses two easy-to-cut squares to produce two half-square triangles.

On the back of the lighter fabric, draw a pencil line diagonally from corner to corner.

Stack a pair of light and dark squares right sides together. Sew a ¼" seam allowance on each side of the line.

You will end up with something like this:

Now cut along the diagonal line.

Press the seam to set it, then press toward the darkest fabric.

To trim to the exact size, line up the 45° diagonal on your ruler with the seam.

Then carefully trim your block with a rotary cutter.

Nine Patch Piecing

The secret to the nine patch is pressing seams so they butt when joined. Cut 5 A squares and 4 B squares in the required size.

Using chain piecing, join a B square to 3 of the A squares, right sides together, with a ¼" seam allowance. The result will be:

Next, chain piece the remaining A and B squares to these units:

Your result will be:

To make this faster, cut A and B strips at the appropriate width and join into A/B/A and B/A/B units. Press every seam toward the dark fabric, then cut across the pre-joined strips:

Same result, but faster:

This methodology applies to all kinds of 9-patch blocks — as long as the block has an underlying 3×3 grid, the principle applies.

When it’s not obvious which direction is the dark in complicated blocks, remember the basic ironing plan:

How to Resize Quilt Blocks

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the finished size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.

Important: Always remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½" squares, subtract the seam allowances (½"), double the finished block size (3" → 6"), then add the seam allowance back (½"). You’ll end up cutting a 6½" piece of fabric.

Resizing Square Blocks

Add ½" to your desired finished block measurement. For a 4" finished square, cut a 4½" square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks

Add ½" to both the length and width. To double a block that measures 3" × 4", cut a 6½" × 8½" rectangle of fabric.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks

Add ⅞" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut 4⅞" squares.

Resizing Quarter-Square Triangle Blocks

Add 1¼" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut your squares 5¼".