The Churn Dash quilt pattern is a nine-patch layout using half square triangles and strip pieced units. Typically made with two fabrics, the block also can have a different fabric in the center square, or fabric variations for the center side strips.

This quilt pattern design is a variation of the Shoo Fly quilt block and is also referred to as the Double Monkey Wrench, Old Mill Design, Hens and Chickens and more. Use this block alone to make a quilt top, add sashing when you design the quilt, or combine with other nine patch quilt blocks finished to the same dimensions! This would be perfect combined with the popular traditional Friendship Star quilt block.

This is the basic two color Churn Dash quilt block pattern. Make sure to select fabrics with strong value differentiation. Here we have selected a light value ivory solid color and a dark value navy blue solid color. This is a perfect block pattern to try different fabric patterns with different scale – like a large print for the center and corners and a small scale print for the sashing and interior triangles.

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Here are two variations that show three color options for the Churn Dash quilt block:

Churn dash with center side strips different

Churn dash variation with different center

Here are common sizes for the Churn Dash quilt block and how to cut the fabrics:

One (1) Quilt Block

How to Make the Churn Dash Quilt Pattern

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Difficulty: Beginner

The Churn Dash quilt block is a nine patch layout with half square triangles, strip pieced blocks and a solid center unit.

It is a popular traditional and modern quilt block, perfect for a beginner quilter looking for practice with strip piecing and half square triangles.

Materials

1/4 yard each of two fabrics or two fat quarters
Thread

Tools

Sewing machine
Iron
Ironing board
Cutting mat
Rotary cutter
Quilter's ruler
Marking pen or pencil; I used a Frixion pen

Instructions

Cut your fabric pieces according to the fabric calculator above. My finished block is a 9" square. Here is the center unit square, squares to make the corner half square units and strips to make the center side strip squares.
Start by sewing your strips together for the center side squares right sides together with a 1/4" seam allowance. Use a 1/4" foot on your sewing machine, if you have one. On a Bernina, that is foot #37 or #57.
Press your seam to your preference. See our article on how to press your quilt seams.
Using your quilter's ruler, cut the strip into four squares the same size as the square for the center. For the finished 9" block, my center side units are 3-1/2" cuts. On the fabric calculator I added 1" to the length needed so there would be a little extra to be able to square up the units.
Next, make your half square triangles for the corner units. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the lighter fabric. This will be your stitching guide line.
Layer different colored squares right sides together. Sew 1/4" from the marked line.
Turn and sew 1/4" on the other side of the marked line. I like to sew the blocks one after another, which is referred to as chain stitching.
Using your quilter's ruler and rotary cutter, cut on the marked diagonal line, making two half square triangles. Press your seams.
Lay the units out in the nine patch format.
Sew the units together into rows.
Sew the rows together to form the finished Churn Dash quilt block.