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: 8.5" unfinished (finishes at 8")
• 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

Scrappy Version

• Churn Dash Prints: 1½ – 2 yards total
• Scrappy Fillers: 1½ yards total
• Flying Geese (Prints): ¾ yard
• Flying Geese Background: ¾ yard
• Inner Border: ⅓ yard
• Binding: ½ yard
• Backing:
• 3¾ yards (WOF), or
• 1¾ yards (108" wide backing)
• Additional fabric requirements for the optional border will be provided this week.

---

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
• Additional fabric requirements for the optional border will be provided this week.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

Block B Assembly - Step 4 St. Paddy's Field QAL

  - 

---

Step 3: Assemble Block B

Now that your four-patch units are complete, it’s time to combine them to create Block B.

Each Block B uses 4 four-patch units. PDF Instructions

1. Lay Out Your Units

Place the four four-patch units on your design surface in a 2 × 2 grid.

Rotate the units so the dark green squares form a diagonal line running from the upper right to the lower left of the block as shown in the picture above.

Your layout should look like this:

Top Row

• Four-patch with dark green in the upper right

Bottom Row

• Four-patch with dark green in the lower left

Take a moment to double-check the orientation before sewing.

---

2. Sew the Rows Click here for Video Tutorial on Block B Assembly

1. Sew the top two units together.

2. Sew the bottom two units together.

Use a ¼" seam allowance.

Press the seams in the rows toward the darker green squares if possible.

---

3. Spin the Center Seams

To reduce bulk in the center:

1. On the back of each row, gently loosen the stitching at the seam intersection.

2. Spin the center seam so the seam allowances rotate in a circular direction.

This creates a small four-patch “pinwheel” seam on the back and allows the block to lay flatter.

---

4. Join the Rows

1. Place the two rows right sides together.

2. Nest the center seams so the intersections lock together.

3. Sew across the center using a ¼" seam.

Spin the center Seam and Press, Refer to video linked above for visual instructions

---

5. Check Your Block 

Your finished Block B should measure the unfinished size 8.5"square and show the diagonal chain of dark green squares across the block.

Be sure to join us on Facebook at Sister of The Divide Quilt Alongs  and Share your progress!

Hang out with us and in Step 5 we will begin to assemble the Quilt Top!

St. Paddy's Field Quilt Along - Step 3

 

St. Paddy’s Field Quilt Along Block B Components

 

Four-Patch Units PDF Link

For this step you will make:

• 64 Dark Four-Patch Units
• 64 Light Four-Patch Units

Each unit will measure 4½" x 4½" unfinished.

---

Before You Begin

• Use a ¼" seam allowance for all piecing.
• WOF = Width of Fabric.
• Press carefully to keep units accurate.
• For best results, chain piece your units whenever possible.

---

Cutting

All strips are cut 2½" x WOF (Width of Fabric).

Dark Four-Patch Units

Cut:

• 4 Dark Green strips
• 4 Background strips

---

Light Four-Patch Units

Cut:

• 2 Medium Green strips
• 6 Background strips

These will be used to create two different strip sets.

---

Dark Four-Patch Units

Make the Strip Set

1. Sew one dark green strip to one background strip, right sides together, using a ¼" seam allowance.
2. Press the seam toward the dark fabric.

Subcut

3. Cut the strip set into 2½" segments.

Assemble Units

4. Pair two segments together to form the four-patch unit.
5. Sew using a ¼" seam allowance.
6. Spin your seams when you press. See the detailed video on spinning seams. Video Link

Repeat to make 64 Dark Four-Patch Units.

---

Light Four-Patch Units

The light four-patch units are made using two strip sets.

Strip Set A

1. Sew one medium green strip to one background strip, right sides together.
2. Press the seam toward the medium fabric.

Strip Set B

1. Sew one background strip to one background strip, right sides together.
2. Press the seam to one side.

Subcut

3. Cut both strip sets into 2½" segments.

Assemble Units

4. Pair one segment from Strip Set A with one segment from Strip Set B.
5. Sew using a ¼" seam allowance.
6. Spin your seams when you press. See the detailed video on spinning seams.

Repeat to make 64 Light Four-Patch Units.

---

Quilter’s Tip

Chain piecing your four-patch units will make this step go quickly and keep your pieces organized.

---

Progress Check

At this stage you should have:

• 64 Dark Four-Patch Units
• 64 Light Four-Patch Units

Each unit should measure 4½" x 4½" unfinished.

Tomorrow we will put the four patch blocks together to finish creating Block B

St. Paddy's Field Quilt Along - Step 2 and Block A

 

🍀 St. Paddy’s Field Quilt Along

Step 2 and Block A

Four Patch Blocks (Strip-Set Method) PDF link

In this step, we’ll create easy, accurate Four Patch blocks using a strip set — fast and perfect for scrappy quilts.

You will need:

• 2 fabric strips measuring 2½″ x 20″ (cut your WOF strips in half)
  (Use 1 of your dark green and 1 of your background)

---

✂️ Step 2A — Make the Strip Set

1.    Place the two strips right sides together, aligning the long edges.

2.    Sew along the long edge using a ¼″ seam allowance.

3.    Press the seam allowance toward the darker fabric.

You now have a strip set measuring approximately 4½″ x 20″. Chain piece your strip sets for faster finishing.

---

✂️ Step 2B — Subcut the Strip Set

4.    Square up one end of the strip set.

5.    Cut the strip set into 2½″ segments across the width.

You will get approximately 8 segments. If you are going scrappy mix and match your segments.

---

🧵 Step 2C — Make the Four Patch

6.    Take two segments and place them right sides together, rotating one so the fabrics alternate (light/dark opposite).

7.    Nest the center seams and pin.

8.    Sew along one side using a ¼″ seam allowance.

9.    Press the seam to one side.

🎉 You now have one Four Patch block measuring 4½″ unfinished (4″ finished).

Repeat with remaining segments.

⭐ Quilter Tip from Sister Of The Divide Chain piece your segments for speed — this step goes FAST and is super satisfying 💚

🍀 St. Paddy’s Field Quilt Along

Block A Assembly

In this step, we’ll combine your Half-Square Triangles (HSTs) and Four Patch units to create Block A.🧩 Layout First (Do Not Skip!)

Arrange your units into a 2 × 2 layout:

Top row:
▪ Four Patch — HST

Bottom row:
▪ HST — Four Patch

👉 Pay attention to the direction of the HSTs so the diagonals create the large “windmill” effect shown in the diagram.

---

🧵 Sew the Rows

1.    Sew the top row units together.

2.    Sew the bottom row units together.

3.    Press the row seams toward the Four Patch blocks (this helps nesting).

---

✨ Join the Rows

4.    Place the two rows right sides together.

5.    Nest the center seams carefully and pin.

6.    Sew across using a ¼″ seam allowance.

---

🌀 Spin the Center Seam

This block has a bulky intersection — spinning the seam makes it lay flat.

7.    From the back, gently loosen the very center stitches.

8.    Rotate the seam allowances so they form a small pinwheel.

9.    Press from the back, then the front.

Your block should now lie beautifully flat 💚

---

📏 Finished Size

Block A should measure:

8.5″ unfinished
(8″ finished in the quilt)

---

⭐ Sister Of The Divide Tip

Consistency matters — make sure all Block A units face the same direction so your quilt design emerges correctly.