How to Sew a 12 inch Churn Dash Quilt Block
Learn how to make a Churn Dash Quilt block with our free 12″ Churn Dash Quilt Pattern.
We hosted the first annual Riley Blake block challenge a few years ago. That year, the challenge was pretty casual: a group of designers shared free quilt patterns for 12″ and 6″ finished quilt blocks.
In the years since many of you have asked about these patterns. Now that the current year Riley Blake block challenge is over, I thought I’d revisit some of those older quilt block patterns and add a few more for you.
I will update the old posts to include printable block patterns (that I will write and illustrate) and add a few new blocks, too!
Many of you may also know that I haven’t turned my blocks into a quilt yet! This series will be the perfect way to add more blocks to the “pile” so that I can create a larger sampler quilt.
Block of the Week Patterns
I’m thrilled to announce an exciting new series on the blog. I’ll share a free quilt block pattern on the first three Wednesdays of each month. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting out, this series is designed to inspire and challenge you with classic, traditional quilt blocks that have stood the test of time.
What’s in Store?
The first three Wednesdays of the month, you’ll get:
- A Quilt Block Pattern. Most of the blocks will be 12″ finished blocks, but I’m also planning to include a few 6″ & 18″ blocks. Using these block sizes will allow you to combine the blocks into a variety of layouts in a final quilt (for example, four 6″ blocks sewn together are the same size as a 12″ block).
- Suggestions for turning that quilt block into a quilt. I won’t be providing full detailed quilt instructions, but I’ll mock up what that block would look like when sewn into a quilt top in a simple grid layout.
These patterns will feature some of the most beloved and time-honored quilt blocks, ensuring you have a diverse and beautiful collection by the end of the series.
Why Traditional Quilt Blocks?
Traditional quilt blocks carry a rich history and timeless beauty. They connect us to generations of quilters who have passed down their skills and creativity. They are classics for a reason!
What to Expect?
- Detailed Instructions: These are step-by-step guides with clear instructions and tips to help you achieve perfect results. Each pattern will be on our site, and we will have a print button for you. I do not plan to offer them as separate PDF files now, but I may in the future.
- Versatile Designs: Each block can be used in various projects, from quilts to home decor; many have already been used to create other quilted projects! I’ll be sure to share examples when I have them.
Fabric Choices & Yardage Requirements
I don’t have specific yardage requirements for you now, as this is meant to be an ONGOING project. You might want to stop after 6 blocks and make a baby quilt or keep going and create a larger quilt, a set of pillows, or something else entirely.
I’m challenging you to create a scrappy quilt with fabrics that you already own.
This quilt is VERY scrap-friendly; however, if you want a starting point regarding fabric requirements, start with:
- 15-20 Fat Quarters or large scraps of fabric in a variety of prints and colors
- 3 Yards of Background Fabric
I chose dark gray for my background fabric (Iron by Riley Blake) and will create my blocks from scraps. Each block will have one remaining featured color; in the end, I’ll have a scrappy rainbow-inspired quilt.
About Churn Dash Quilt Blocks
Let’s start with a pattern for a 12″ Churn Dash Quilt Block.
The Churn Dash quilt block is a classic and traditional quilting design from the 19th century. It is named since it resembles the paddle and frame used in old-fashioned butter churning. The block is composed of nine smaller squares arranged in a three-by-three grid.
Here is a breakdown of the typical structure of a Churn Dash quilt block:
- Center Square: The middle square is usually a solid or patterned fabric.
- Corner Squares: Each of the four corners is a solid, patterned half-square triangle.
- Rectangular Bars: The four remaining squares are split into two rectangles each. These are positioned so that they frame the center square, giving the block its distinct “churn dash” appearance.
The Churn Dash block is versatile and can be used in many different quilt designs, either as a standalone block or combined with other blocks to create intricate patterns.
12″ Churn Dash Quilt Block Pattern
Equipment
supplies
- 2 pieces each 5″ x 5″ Red Fabric 1
- 2 pieces each 5″ x 5″ Background Fabric
- 1 piece 2 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ Background Fabric
- 1 piece 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ Background Fabric
- 1 piece 2 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ Red Fabric 2
Instructions
Create Half Square Triangles
- Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of your two 5″ x 5″ background fabric pieces.
- Layer one 5″ x 5″ Background Fabric piece of fabric with one 5″ x 5″ piece of Red Fabric 1, right sides facing.
- Stitch 1/4″ on each side of the line you drew.
- Cut apart along the line.
- Open the fabric piece and press the seams towards the darker fabric.
- Trim and square up to 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Create Strip Blocks
- Stitch one 2 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ piece of Red Fabric 2 to one 2 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ piece of Background fabric along the 18 1/2″ sides. Press the seams towards the darker fabric.
- Cut the 18 1/2″ long strip of fabric into 4 pieces, each 4 1/2″ wide.
- Trim and square up to 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ making sure to keep the center seam in the center of the piece as you trim.
Assemble the Block
- Arrange the pieces of the block as shown in the diagram. Stitch the blocks in row 1 together then the blocks in row 2 and the blocks in row 3.
- Press the seams to one side. I pressed the seams of rows 1 and 3 towards the outside edges and row 2 towards the center of the block. Pressing this way allows seam allowances to be “nested” as they are sewn together.
- Stitch row 1 to row 2 and row 2 to row 3.
How to Participate
Just subscribe to our blog newsletter (it’s free) and we will email you each week when a new quilt block pattern is posted.
Things to Make with Churn Dash Quilt Blocks
The Salt and Sand Quilt block from the Just For Fun Quilt is a Churn Dash Quilt block variation.
You can also find a mini churn dash quilt block sewn into the pocket of our Pocket Pincushion Pattern.
Amy Smart has a GORGEOUS completed Churn Dash quilt on her blog. Click here for more information about it.
