Churn Dash Quilt Block and Variation
So today we're going to look at the easy beginner Churn Dash quilt block. I also did a variation that I'll show at the end. This is one of those basic traditional quilt blocks that can be used in many different ways. Of course being a basic block, it has lots of other names like Broken Plate, Double Monkey Wrench, Fisherman's Reel, Puss in the Corner, and Quail's Nest to name a few! Let's get started!
Fabric Requirements for a 12" Finished Churn Dash Quilt Block:
- Light/Ivory: 2 - 5" squares, 1 - 4.5" square, and 4 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles
- Medium/Brown: 2 - 5" squares
- Dark/Black: 4 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles
Sewing Directions:
Half-Square Triangle Units:
Step 1:
Using the Light/Ivory 5" squares and the Medium/Brown 5" squares, make a total of four Half-Square Triangle units. Trim the units to 4.5" square. If you need help on making Half-Square Triangle units, you can find my tutorial at: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-half-square-triangle-block
Half-Square Rectangle Units:
Step 2
So I made up the name for this unit but I think it's pretty descriptive. Match up one Light/Ivory 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle with one Dark/Black 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle and sew together along a long side as shown in the picture below. Press the seam allowance toward the Dark/Black fabric as shown. Repeat for a total of four Half-Square Rectangle units.
Putting It All Together:
Step 3:
Now you can lay out the Half-Square Triangle units, the Half-Square Rectangle units, and the center Light/Ivory 4.5" square as shown in the picture below.
Step 4:
At this point, the Churn Dash quilt block is put together like a simple Nine-Patch block. Sew the units together in three rows as shown below.
Step 5:
Press the seam allowances toward the Half-Square Rectangle units as you can see from the picture below.
Step 6:
Sew the three rows together and you are done!
Step 7:
Well....except for the pressing! As you can see in the picture below, I have pressed the seam allowances away from the center of the block. This will allow the seams to nest together nicely when putting several blocks together. But you can press however you would like.
Layout Ideas
Here is the basic 4 x 4 layout.
This is the same layout as above but with sashing and cornerstones added.
This example uses a large Hourglass block for an alternating block.
In this version a simple chain block in complementary colors is used as an alternating block.
This is an example of an on-point layout using scrappy blocks with an alternating chain block that is also used for the setting triangles.
In this scrappy on-point layout purple sashing and plain setting triangles are used.
This version uses a different alternating chain block.
In this alternating example, the simple Churn Dash block sets off a more complicated applique block.
Conclusions:
The Churn Dash quilt block is easy and fast to sew together. You can make it with only 2 colors, add in a nice embroidery piece in the center square, or even use it as a memory quilt where people could sign their names in the center square.
Variation:
I did a slice and dice of the Shoo Fly block awhile back and it turned out really nice so I thought I would try it with the Churn Dash. Well, it didn't turn out near as cute. Sometimes you just have to try something to see how it looks!
The Dark/Black patches aren't square. Maybe if I had made the Half-Square Rectangle units 4.5" x 5" and the center square 5", the variation would have come out better. Oh, well....
I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial for the Churn Dash quilt block. If you like this tutorial and want to see more, you can sign up for my newsletter by clicking HERE (and you'll get a free PDF quilt pattern called "Chained Weathervane".)
Happy Quilting!
Elaine
P.S. Want to see more easy blocks? Check out these: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/tagged/tutorials_beginning-blocks
P.P.S. Check out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabric406