Divide & Dash QAL – Week 3: Flying Geese Take Flight

 

Divide & Dash Quilt Along – Week 3

Flying Geese Take Flight PDF Instruction Sheet

Welcome back to the Divide & Dash Quilt Along! This week we are diving into one of my favorite techniques — foundation paper piecing — as we construct the Flying Geese blocks for the quilt.

These blocks add movement and direction to the overall design and really begin tying the traditional churn dash elements into the modern layout that makes Divide & Dash so unique.

Whether this is your first time paper piecing or you are already comfortable with the technique, this week is all about slowing down, staying organized, and enjoying the process one seam at a time.

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This Week’s Assignment

For the quilt center you will make:

• 4 Flying Geese blocks

If you are adding the optional Flying Geese border, you will make:

• 16 Flying Geese blocks

Each block will measure:

• 4.5" x 12.5" unfinished

• 4" x 12" finished in the quilt

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Your Week 3 Downloads

This week includes two printable PDF files. Paper Piece Geese Blocks and Templates for Flying Geese Paper Piecing

Flying Geese Foundation Paper Template

This is the actual paper piecing foundation used to sew the Flying Geese blocks.

• Print 2 copies if making only the quilt center blocks

• Print 6 additional copies if you are adding the optional Flying Geese border

Each printed sheet contains enough sections to complete two Flying Geese blocks.

When printing, make sure your settings are:

• Actual Size

• 100% Scale

• NOT “Fit to Page”

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Fabric Cutting Templates

I also created reusable cutting templates to help reduce fabric waste while making the paper piecing process easier and more efficient.

Trace these shapes Using a Sharpie Marker onto:

• Clear template plastic (look for a folder from the Dollar Store)
  or

• Thin cardboard

These templates allow you to precut your fabrics accurately before sewing while still leaving enough seam allowance for folding and trimming during construction.

From your Background fabric cut 2 strips that measures 5" x WOF. You can cut enough for your four blocks by laying them out as instructed in the video.

From your Feature Fabric or Print, you will need 4 squares of each print that measure 6.5" square.

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Additional Supplies Needed

Along with your printed templates and fabrics, you will also need:

• Washable glue stick

• Clear template plastic or thin cardboard

• Fine point Sharpie Marker for marking templates

• Small rotary cutter and ruler

• Iron and pressing surface

• An add a quarter ruler or a ruler with a 1/4" marking

A couple of inexpensive template ideas:

• Dollar Store plastic folders work wonderfully for reusable templates

• Cereal boxes work great as well if you are not working with directional fabrics

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First things First:

Tape your paper pieces together. You will see that you need to join the two to create your 4 flying geese. 

Remove your thread from your needle and your bobbin. Using a long top stitch length, stitch on every solid line. Refer to the video.

Follow the instructions in this video. Video Tutorial for Construction of the Paper Pieced Flying Geese

A Few Helpful Paper Piecing Tips

If foundation paper piecing is new to you, here are a few things that will make the process easier:

• Lower your stitch length slightly (1.5–1.8 works well)

• Use an Add-A-Quarter ruler if you have one

• Always verify your fabric fully covers the section before stitching

• Finger press before using your iron whenever possible

• Trim excess fabric after every seam to reduce bulk

And most importantly — trust the process. Paper piecing can feel awkward at first, but after a few sections it becomes very rhythmic and satisfying.

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From the Designer

I absolutely love Flying Geese blocks because they create such a wonderful sense of movement across a quilt top. In Divide & Dash they help connect the traditional piecing with the clean modern layout that inspired this pattern from the very beginning.

I also wanted this quilt along to feel approachable for quilters who may be trying paper piecing for the first time, which is why I designed the reusable cutting templates to go along with the foundations. A little preparation up front makes the entire process smoother and much more enjoyable.

Take your time this week, enjoy the stitching, and before long you’ll have a beautiful flock of Flying Geese ready to fly into your quilt top.

Happy quilting!

Be sure to join us on Facebook at Sister of The Divide Quilt Alongs!

Divide & Dash Quilt Along – Week 2: Small Churn Dash Block (8”) Cutting & Assembly

 🧵 Welcome to Week 2 of the Divide & Dash Quilt Along! This week we’re shifting to the smaller 8” Churn Dash blocks—the perfect complement to last week’s larger blocks.

These blocks may be smaller, but the process will feel familiar. We’ll be using the same foundational techniques—strip piecing and half square triangles—to build a classic block that fits beautifully into the overall quilt design.

Take your time, focus on accuracy, and enjoy watching your quilt start to come together one block at a time. PDF LINK: Divide & Dash Quilt Along – Week 2: Small 8” Churn Dash Block Tutorial

NOTE: The sizing of the fabric pieces is intentional for new quilters. Sometimes it take a while to perfect your 1/4" seam. By oversizing the units, it allows you to cut them into the perfect size for your final block construction. The Churn Dash block is one that should not be cut down to "size" after it is completed, you will lose the 1/4" seam allowance on the outside of the block by doing that. Please contact me with any questions you may have and be sure to watch the video to clarify the final trimming.

✂️Cutting Instructions for 7 blocks

🧵 Background Fabric (light)

• (14) 4" squares (for HSTs) You can get 10 Squares from a WOF x 4”
• (2) 2" x WOF strips (for strip sets — yields enough for all blocks)
• (Optional) (7) 3" squares (only if using background for centers)

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🧵 Print Fabric (dark)

• (14) 4" squares (for HSTs)  You can cut 10 Squares from a WOF x 4”
• (2) 2" x WOF strips (for strip sets — yields enough for all blocks)
• (Optional) (7) 3" squares (if using print for centers)

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🧵 Center Squares

• (7) 3" squares total (cut a WOF x 3” strip and sub cut to get your 7 squares)
  (mix of background and/or feature prints as desired)

🧩 Assembling The Small Churn Dash Block

Step 1: Make the Strip Sets

1. Sew one background strip  to one print strip , right sides together.
2. Press seam toward the darker fabric.
3. Subcut into (28) 3” units. (Please refer to the video tutorial for correct cutting instructions)
4. Each unit should measure 3” x 3”. You will need to trim them to square them up - refer to video tutorial for example. Divide & Dash Video Tutorials

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📐 Step 2: Create Half Square Triangles (HSTs)

1. On the wrong side of each background 4” square, draw a diagonal line corner to corner.
2. Pair each with a print 4” square, right sides together.
3. Stitch ¼” on both sides of the drawn line.
4. Cut on the drawn line to create (2) HSTs per pair.
5. Press seams toward the print fabric.
6. Trim to 3” x 3”. Refer to video tutorial for example. You will need to trim.

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🧵 Step 3: Assemble the Block

Lay out your 9 units in a 3 x 3 grid:

• Center: background square
• Corners: HST units 
• Sides: strip set units

1. Sew rows together, pressing seams to nest as instructed in Week 1.
2. Sew rows to each other.
3. Press final seams toward the center.

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📏 Finished Block Size:

• Block measures 8” unfinished
• Finishes at 7.5” in the quilt

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💡 Tips for Success:

• Accurate ¼” seam allowance is key
• Trim units as required—don’t skip this step, extra allowance was made so you will have to trim.
• Chain piecing will save time if making multiple blocks
• Double-check HST orientation before sewing rows

💬 You’re building momentum now! These smaller churn dash blocks add balance and movement to the quilt, and it’s so fun to see everything start to work together.

Be sure to share your progress—I love seeing your fabric choices come to life.

Next week, we’ll continue building our blocks with the Fly Geese Blocks and Optional Border.

Be sure to check out this QAL and others on our Facebook page here: Sister of The Divide Quilt Alongs

For Video Tutorials follow us on our YouTube channel here: Divide & Dash QAL Videos

Divide & Dash Quilt Along – Week 1: Cut with Confidence, Build Your First Blocks

Divide & Dash Quilt Along

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Welcome to Week 1 of the Divide & Dash Quilt Along! This is where it all begins—turning beautiful fabric into the foundation of a quilt that blends traditional charm with a fresh, modern layout.

This week, we’re focusing on cutting and assembling the core units that will bring your first blocks to life. I’ve designed this pattern to be approachable and beginner-friendly, so whether this is your first quilt or your fiftieth, you’ll find a rhythm here that feels both simple and satisfying.

We’ll walk step-by-step through strip sets, half square triangles, and piecing techniques that create the classic Churn Dash look—reimagined in a clean, modern way. Take your time with your cuts, enjoy the process, and remember: precision here sets you up for success in the weeks ahead.

Let’s get started ✂️🧵

✂️ CUTTING CHART week 1 PDF Link

Large Churn Dash Blocks (12" Finished in quilt)

Make 5 Blocks that will measure 12.5” unfinished

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🧵 HST Units (Corners)

Fabric	Cut Size	Quantity
Print Fabric	5" x 5"	10 squares
Background	5" x 5"	10 squares

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🧵 Strip Sets (Side Units)

Fabric	Cut Size	Quantity
Print Fabric	2½" x 20"	5 strips
Background	2½" x 20"	5 strips

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🧵 Center Squares

Fabric Option	Cut Size	Quantity
Background OR Print	4½" x 4½"	5 squares

👉 Optional: perfect for fussy cutting a feature print

🧵 WEEK 1: LARGE CHURN DASH BLOCK

Construction PDF

Finished Size: 12" (12½" unfinished)
Make 5 Blocks

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✂️ Step 1: Make the Strip Sets (Side Units)

1. Place one background strip (2½" x 20") right sides together with one print strip (2½" x 20")
2. Sew along the long edge using a ¼" seam allowance
3. Press seam to the dark (print) side

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Subcut:

• Cut into 4 segments – 4½" wide

👉 These units should measure 4½" x 4½"

✔️ If your units are slightly oversized:

• Place your ruler with the seam centered
• Trim evenly to 4½" square

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 ✂️ Step 2: Make Half Square Triangles (HSTs)

1. On the wrong side of each 5" background square, draw a diagonal line corner to corner
2. Pair with a 5" print square, right sides together

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Stitching:

• Sew ¼" on both sides of the drawn line
• Chain piecing is encouraged

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Cut & Press:

1. Cut on the drawn line
2. Press to set seams
3. Gently open with your fingers first
4. Press seam open

⚠️ Press—don’t scrub to avoid distortion

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Trim:

• Align ruler diagonal with seam line
• Trim to 4½" x 4½"

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🧩 Step 3: Lay Out Your Block

Arrange pieces in a 3 × 3 grid (like a nine patch):

• Corners: HST units
• Sides: strip units
• Center: 4½" square

Check HST direction before sewing.

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🧵 Step 4: Assemble the Block

Sew Rows:

• Stitch each row together (right → center → left)

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Press Rows:

• Top row → press seams to the inside
• Middle row → press seams to the outside
• Bottom row → press seams to the inside

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Join Rows:

1. Nest your seams and stitch rows together
2. Press to set seams
3. Open seams fully and press toward the center of the block

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✔️ Final Step

• Repeat to make 5 total blocks
• Each block should measure 12½" unfinished

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💡 Quick Tips

• Accuracy in trimming = success in assembly
• Keep your pressing consistent
• Don’t rush—this is your foundation block

 

I will be making this quilt in two colorways. One will feature Kaffe Fassett Fabrics the other will feature a variety of Christmas fabrics.

Will you Be Making This Quilt? And What Colors will you choose for your version?

Come join us on our Facebook page here: Sister of The Divide Quilt Alongs

Video Tutorials for this block will be on our YouTube Channel:

 Divide & Dash Quilt Along : How to Construct The Large Churn Dash Block

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Divide & Dash Quilt Along

 

Divide & Dash Quilt Along – Step 1

Welcome to the first step of our Divide & Dash Quilt Along!

This overview includes fabric requirements for a 50" x 50" quilt, with an optional border that will bring the finished size to 58" x 58". You’ll also find two coloring pages—one with the border and one without—so you can plan your design. If you prefer, the border can be made as a solid instead of pieced.

We’ll begin cutting fabric this week, so start gathering your fabrics now. I plan to post cutting directions on Wednesday.

This quilt will move along quickly as we build on skills you’ve already developed—Half Square Triangles and strip sets will get us off to a strong start.

Construction Overview

• We will construct all blocks first, then assemble the quilt in “zones.”
• This approach gives you flexibility to choose between:
  • a scrappy finish, or
  • a single background

For the flying geese blocks, we will be using paper piecing for accuracy, but I’ll also teach a second method so you can choose what works best for you.

Blocks We’ll Be Making

• Large Block: 12.5" unfinished (finishes at 12")
• Small Block: 8" unfinished (finishes at 7.5")
• Flying Geese Block: 4.5" x 12.5" unfinished (finishes at 4" x 12")

This Week’s Goal

Our goal is to:

• Get your fabrics cut
• Begin assembling the first 5 large Churn Dash blocks this weekend

(Fingers crossed!)

Additional Resources

I’ll also be posting instructions and tutorials on:

• The blog: www.sisterofthedivide.blogspot.com
• Our YouTube channel (link coming soon)

Design Flexibility

This quilt is designed to be versatile—you can substitute any blocks as long as they measure:

• 12.5" unfinished, or
• 8.5" unfinished

This makes it a great opportunity to use orphan blocks or experiment with future quilt ideas.

Helpful Tool (Optional)

The tool mentioned in the Facebook Live is the 3-in-1 Color Tool by Joen Wolfrom.
While not required, it’s a fantastic resource for color planning and small enough to keep in your purse when shopping. Many local quilt shops carry it, and it’s typically under $20. 3 in 1 color tool link

What You’ll See Next

I’ll be sharing three color examples:

1. With border (solid background) see above
2. Without border (zones marked)see below
3. Scrappy version Top picture

A Quick Personal Note

As I mentioned in the Live, Mr. Sister is currently dealing with some health issues, and we’ll be attending doctor appointments over the next several weeks. I appreciate your patience with posting timelines—I will do my very best to keep everything moving so you can continue your progress.

This quilt is designed to be fun, approachable, and a great stepping stone for future projects.

Here is a  Coloring Page for you to start thinking about your quilt design: 

With optional border

Join In! Follow our Quilt Along Group on Facebook here: Sister of The Divide Quilt Alongs Group A PDF of the coloring page is on our Facebook page in the file section at the top of the page. 

This week:

• Share your fabric choices
• Post photos
• Ask questions
• Offer feedback

Your participation is what makes this group so special—we all love seeing what you’re creating!

Thank you so much for being here. 💛

Fabric Requirements for the Divide & Dash Quilt Along

PDF Link Divide & Dash Fabric Requirements PDF

Scrappy Version

• Churn Dash Prints: 1½ – 2 yards total
• Scrappy Fillers: 1½ yards total
• Flying Geese (Prints): 1/3 yard
• Flying Geese Background: 1/3 yard
• Inner Border: ⅓ yard
• Binding: ½ yard
• Backing:
• 3¾ yards (WOF), or
• 1¾ yards (108" wide backing)
• Optional Flying Geese Border: 
• Flying Geese Print 1 yard
• Flying Geese Background 3/4 yard

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Single Background Version

• Block Fabrics: 2 yards total
• Background Fabric: 2½ yards
• Flying Geese (Prints): ¾ yard
• Flying Geese Background: ¾ yard
• Inner Border: ⅓ yard
• Binding: ½ yard
• Backing: same as above
• Optional Flying Geese Border: same as above

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Notes

Fabric requirements are estimates and may vary depending on cutting method, fabric width, and individual sewing practices. It is recommended to purchase a little extra fabric to allow for cutting errors, shrinkage, and directional prints.

Field of Valor – A Patriotic Take on the St. Paddy’s Field Quilt

 

Field of Valor – A Patriotic Take on the St. Paddy’s Field Quilt

This quilt may look familiar… and that’s because Field of Valor is simply a different colorway of my St. Paddy’s Field quilt pattern. Changing fabrics can completely transform the story a quilt tells, and this version speaks to something very close to my heart — patriotism, gratitude, and honoring those who have served our country.

As we celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, I wanted to create something that reflects appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy and the sacrifices made by our veterans. The red, white, and blue palette gives this design a timeless patriotic feel, while the movement of the blocks creates a sense of strength and unity.

This quilt will be donated to Coming Home Incorporated here in Idaho Falls, Idaho to be raffled at their Summer Fundraiser, supporting veterans in our community. It is truly an honor to contribute in a small way to an organization that gives so much to those who have served. Quilts have always been symbols of comfort, care, and connection, and I hope this one wraps someone in warmth and appreciation.

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One Pattern – Endless Possibilities

One of the things I love most about this pattern is how easily it adapts to any theme simply by changing the fabrics.

Imagine this design in:

• cheerful prints for a summer picnic quilt

• warm tones for a cozy fall quilt

• playful orange and black for Halloween

• festive reds and greens for Christmas

• soft pinks and reds for Valentine’s Day

The structure of the blocks creates movement and visual interest no matter the palette, making it a wonderful pattern to revisit again and again. Each version tells a different story.

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Quilting With Purpose

Creating quilts for meaningful causes adds another layer of fulfillment to the process. Knowing that this quilt will help support veterans through Coming Home Incorporated makes every stitch even more special.

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, it feels especially appropriate to reflect on the courage and dedication of those who have protected our country. This quilt is my way of saying thank you — not only to those who served, but also to the families who stood beside them.

I hope Field of Valor inspires you to think about how fabric choices can transform a pattern and how quilting can be a way to give back to causes close to your heart.

Whether patriotic, seasonal, or scrappy, this design is proof that sometimes all it takes is a change of color to create an entirely new story.

Happy quilting🧵✨

If you would like to make this quilt, look back to our posts on St. Paddy's Field for the Step by Step instructions and videos. This week I will be editing videos of the construction process for this quilt and will post links here as that task is completed. If you have joined us on Sister of The Divide Quilt Alongs on Facebook, you can view the live demonstrations that are posted there. Your comments and questions are always welcomed! 

Step 5 - St. Paddy's Field QAL - The Finish!

 

Step 5 St. Paddy’s Field Quilt 

 

 

Quilt Top Assembly PDF Link

 

After completing all Block A and Block B units, arrange the blocks to create the St. Paddy’s Field secondary pattern.

Block Layout

Alternate Block A and Block B in each row.

Row 1 begins with Block A.

Row 2 begins with Block B.

 

Row 1 A B A B A B A B

Row 2 B A B A B A B A

Row 3 A B A B A B A B

Row 4 B A B A B A B A

Row 5 A B A B A B A B

Row 6 B A B A B A B A

Row 7 A B A B A B A B

Row 8 B A B A B A B A

 

This alternating layout creates the woven field effect that gives the quilt its name.

 

Sew the Rows

 

Sew the blocks together in each row, matching seams carefully.

Press the seams in alternating directions:

Row 1 → press seams to the right

Row 2 → press seams to the left

Continue alternating pressing direction for each row. This allows the seams to nest when the rows are joined.

 

Join the Rows

 

Place Row 1 and Row 2 right sides together.

Nest the seams and pin where seams intersect.

Sew the rows together.

Continue adding rows until the quilt top is complete.

Press the finished quilt top well, spinning seams where possible to reduce bulk.

 

Your St. Paddy’s Field quilt top is now ready for borders (if desired), quilting, and binding.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed this quilt; I will be making the same quilt in Red, White and Blue to donate to a local charity, Coming Home Incorporated. They create community for Veterans, helping them feel loved and appreciated, with activities and so much more. Calling the next one Field of Valor!

 

If you enjoy sewing along with us, come follow us on Facebook!

Sister of The Divide Quilt Alongs