How to Make a Churn Dash Quilt Block (Beginner-Friendly Tutorial)
The Churn Dash quilt block is a timeless favorite among quilters—and it’s especially great for beginners who want to practice half-square triangles, strip piecing, and block assembly all in one simple project. Its bold lines and classic design make it perfect for traditional and modern quilts alike. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to make your own Churn Dash block, step by step.
🧵 What Is a Churn Dash Quilt Block?
The Churn Dash block dates back to the early 1800s and was named after the paddle of a butter churn, which the design resembles. It’s made up of nine units: four half-square triangles (HSTs), four strip-pieced rectangles, and a center square. Simple shapes, strong contrast, and tons of charm!
✂️ What You’ll Need
Two contrasting fabrics (one light, one dark)
Rotary cutter and mat
Quilting ruler
Sewing machine
Thread
Iron and pressing surface
📏 Cutting Instructions (for a 9" Finished Block)
From the dark fabric:
(2) 4" x 4" squares (for HSTs)
(2) 2" x 5" strips
(1) 3.5" x 3.5" center square
From the light fabric:
(2) 4" x 4" squares (for HSTs)
(2) 2" x 5" strips
🪡 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Half-Square Triangles (HSTs)
Pair one dark and one light 4" square, right sides together.
Draw a diagonal line on the back of the light square.
Sew ¼" away from both sides of the line.
Cut on the line to get 2 HSTs.
Press seams open or to the dark side.
Trim to 3.5" x 3.5".
Repeat for the second set to end up with 4 total HSTs.
💡 Tip: Download my free HST Cheat Sheet.
2. Make the Strip-Pieced Units
Sew one light and one dark 2" x 7" strip together along the long edge.
Press the seam toward the dark fabric.
Subcut the strip set into two 2" x 3.5" rectangles.
Repeat with the second pair to get four total strip-pieced units.
💡 Tip: Keep your dark fabric always on the same side for a clean, symmetrical look.
3. Assemble the Block
Lay out your 9 patch grid like this:
Top row: HST, strip unit, HST
Middle row: strip unit, center square, strip unit
Bottom row: HST, strip unit, HST
Sew rows together, pressing seams in opposite directions.
Join the rows, matching seams carefully.
Press the final block flat.
You now have a 9.5" unfinished Churn Dash block!
🎨 Design Tips
Choose bold contrast between the light and dark fabrics to make the design pop.
Go scrappy by mixing fabrics within each section.
Try solids for a more modern twist, or reproductions for a traditional vibe.
🧶 What’s Next?
Sew up several blocks and turn them into a table runner, baby quilt, or full-sized quilt. The Churn Dash is especially beautiful when set on point or alternated with other traditional blocks like the Nine Patch or Sawtooth Star.
Have you made a Churn Dash block before? Let me know in the comments what colors you love using for this classic block—or share a photo of your finished quilt!
Happy stitching,
Tiffany @ Straight Stitching 🧵💛
