The churn dash quilt block is an old favorite. It's a 9-patch block, meaning there are 9 units of construction. There are four half square triangle units, four rail fence units and one plain block unit. In this article you will learn how to piece a 12" finished churn dash quilt block. Look at the end of this article for other finished block sizes. There is a link to instructions to make a Churn Dash Quilt approximately 66" x 80" finished. For these instructions you can use scraps or two fat quarters of contrasting fabrics. Two fat quarters will make two blocks.
Press and Cut
Press each fat quarter. Stack right sides together.
Fold the two fat quarters in half by folding the selvage edge up to the opposite edge. Position with the fold at the bottom.
As you cut these pieces, leave the two fabrics right sides together. Straighten the edge and cut the following:
- one 5" strip for the half square triangle units
- two 2-1/2" strips for the rail fence units
- one 4-1/2" square from each fabric for the plain unit.
Half Square Triangles
Slice the grid along the vertical and diagonal lines. You will have 8 half square triangle units. Press towards the dark fabric. Trim to 4-1/2" square.
Rail Fence Units
Using the 2-1/2" strip sets, stitch along the long side. Press toward the dark fabric. Sub-cut each strip set into four 4-1/2" segments.
Construct the Churn Dash Quilt Block
Lay out the units. Sew the units together into rows. Sew the rows together. Press towards the rail fence block.
Table to Make Different Finished Sizes
Happy quilting!
Carol