CHURN DASH QUILT BLOCK
This is a standard quilt block that you will find in any quilting book worth its salt. And I especially like the fact that it is always called the same thing: Churn Dash.
You will need just two colors—a light (color A) and a dark or medium (color B). Always use scant ¼” seam allowances when sewing these quilt blocks.
Fabric requirements:
Color A: (1) 4 ½” square for the center
(2) 5” square
(4) 4 ½” x 2 ½” rectangles
Color B: (2) 5” square
(4) 4 ½” x 2 ½” rectangles
1. On the color A 5” squares, draw a line from corner to corner, diagonally. With the 5” squares of colors A and B right sides together, and color A facing you, sew a scant ¼” on either side of the diagonal line. Cut on the line. Press the square open with the seam towards the dark (color B). Square all four of these to 4 ½”. Set aside.
2. Using the rectangles, sew a color A to a color B, four times. Press squares open with seam towards the dark (color B).
3. Sew one pieced half-square triangles to each side of one pieced rectangle square. Press seams towards the rectangles. These are your outer borders.
4. Sew the other two pieced half square triangles to either side of the 4 ½” square. Press the seams towards the rectangles. This is your center row.
5. With a top row and the center row, carefully line up the seams to match. Pin them in place to secure them, and sew the seam using that scant ¼” seam allowance. (Now you see why the direction of pressing is important—because the seams will line up and press nicely without bigs lumps.) Repeat with the bottom row. Press the seams towards the outer rows. Your block is complete! Easy, huh!?
