Divide & Dash QAL Week 5: Building Row 2

 

Divide & Dash Quilt Along – Week 5

Row 2 Construction

Welcome back to the Divide & Dash Quilt Along! This week we begin constructing Row 2 by assembling Zones 4 and 5. You’ll combine large and small Churn Dash blocks with our Flying Geese units to continue building the modern layout of the quilt top.

This stage is especially exciting because the quilt really starts taking shape visually. We’ll focus on adding strips, maintaining sharp points, and assembling the sections in sequence so everything flows smoothly together. By the end of this week, you’ll have a substantial portion of your quilt top completed and may even choose to attach Row 2 to Row 1.

As always, take your time, keep that accurate 1/4" seam allowance, and enjoy watching your fabrics and blocks come together into something beautiful!

This week we continue building the body of the quilt by assembling Zones 4 and 5 of Row 2. Once these sections are complete, you may choose to join Row 2 to Row 1 and begin seeing the overall layout of your quilt come together. PDF File

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Helpful Piecing Tip

When attaching strips to your blocks, place the block on top and the strip underneath while stitching. This helps you keep better control over your seam placement and protects your points.

Be sure to use an accurate 1/4" seam allowance throughout construction.

As you approach the point area on your blocks, stitch one stitch width beyond the point to avoid cutting off your points during assembly.

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Zone 4 Construction

You Will Need

• (1) Large Churn Dash Block from Week 1

• (1) Small Churn Dash Block from Week 2

Additional Fabric Cuts

Cut:

• (2) strips — 12.5" x 2.5"

• (1) rectangle — 5.5" x 7.5"

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Constructing the Large Churn Dash Unit

1. Take your large Churn Dash block.

2. Attach one 12.5" x 2.5" strip to the right side of the block.

3. Attach the second 12.5" x 2.5" strip to the left side of the block.

4. Press both seams toward the added strips and away from the Churn Dash block.

5. Set this unit aside.

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Constructing the Small Churn Dash Unit

1. Take your small Churn Dash block.

2. Attach the 5.5" x 7.5" rectangle to the block.

3. Press the seam toward the added strip and away from the Churn Dash block.

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Completing Zone 4

1. Arrange the small Churn Dash unit and the large Churn Dash unit so the small block is positioned in the upper left corner of the section.

2. Sew the two units together to complete Zone 4.

3. Press the joining seam toward the added strip fabric and away from the Churn Dash block.

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Zone 5 Construction

You Will Need

• (1) Flying Geese Block

• (1) Large Churn Dash Block

Additional Fabric Cuts

Cut:

• (2) strips — 4.5" x 12.5"

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Constructing the Flying Geese Unit

1. Take your Flying Geese block.

2. Remove the paper from the back of the block before continuing assembly.

3. Attach one 4.5" x 12.5" strip to the top long side of the block.

4. Attach the second 4.5" x 12.5" strip to the bottom long side of the block.

5. Press both seams toward the added strips and away from the Flying Geese block.

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Completing Zone 5

1. Position the Flying Geese unit on the left side and the large Churn Dash block on the right side.

2. Arrange the units so the Flying Geese point away from the Churn Dash block.

3. Sew the units together to complete Zone 5.

4. Press the joining seam toward the Flying Geese unit or press open, depending on your preferred finish.

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Joining Row 2

1. Position Zone 4 on the left and Zone 5 on the right, matching the layout shown in the reference photo.

2. Arrange the units in the following sequence from left to right:

Small Churn Dash → Large Churn Dash → Flying Geese → Large Churn Dash

3. Sew Zone 4 and Zone 5 together to complete this section of Row 2.

4. Press the joining seam in the direction that best reduces bulk for your quilt top.

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Optional Assembly Step

If you wish, you may now sew Row 2 to Row 1 to complete the upper portion of your quilt top.

At this stage, your quilt is really beginning to come together and the overall layout becomes much more visible.

Once Row 3 is assembled and attached, your quilt top will be complete except for the border strip and the optional outside Flying Geese border.

As we wrap up Week 5, you can finally begin to see the full personality of the Divide & Dash quilt emerge. The combination of classic Churn Dash blocks, bold Flying Geese, and modern spacing is starting to create that beautiful balance between traditional and contemporary design that makes this quilt so special. Next week we’ll tackle the final row assembly, bringing the entire quilt top together before adding the border strip and optional outside Flying Geese border. You are so close now — and I cannot wait to see how each of your unique fabric choices transforms this design into a quilt that is completely your own!  

Be sure to look for us on Facebook at Sister of The Divide Quilt Alongs for more fun and to share your progress. Also visit us on our YouTube Channel

Divide & Dash QAL Week 4: Constructing the First Row

 

Divide & Dash QAL

From the Designer

This week we begin bringing the individual blocks together into the modern layout of Divide & Dash. By working in zones, the quilt top becomes easier to manage and assemble one section at a time. This first row gives us a beautiful start, combining Churn Dash blocks, Flying Geese, and open spaces for a clean, modern-traditional design.

First Row Construction: Zones 1–3  PDF Link

This week we will begin assembling the first row of the Divide & Dash quilt by constructing three separate zones, then joining them together to complete the row.

Use a consistent 1/4" seam allowance throughout.

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Zone 1 Construction

You Will Need

• (1) Large Churn Dash Block from Week 1
• unfinished size: 12.5" x 12.5"
• (1) Fabric strip: 2" x 12.5"
• (1) Fabric strip: 2" x 12.5"
• (2) Fabric strips: 4.5" x 15'"

These strips may be cut from one coordinating fabric or from a variety of prints for a scrappy look.

Step 1

Sew the 2" x 12.5" strip to the top of the Large Churn Dash Block.

Press seam to the outside.

Step 2

Sew the 2" x 12.5" strip to the bottom of the block.

Press seam to the outside.

Your unit should now measure:

12.5" x 15"

Step 3

Sew one 4.5" x 15" strip to the left side of the unit.

Sew the second 4.5" x 15" strip to the right side of the unit.

Press seams to the outside.

Your completed Zone 1 unit should measure:

20.5" x 15"

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Zone 2 Construction

You Will Need

• (2) Small Churn Dash Blocks from Week 2
• unfinished size: 8" x 8"
• (2) Fabric strips: 4.5" x 8"
• (1) Fabric strip: 8" x 8.5"

Step 1 – Unit 1

Take one Small Churn Dash Block.

Sew one 4.5" x 8" strip to the left side of the block.

Sew one 4.5" x 8" strip to the right side of the block.

Press seams to the outside.

Set this unit aside.

Unit 1 should measure:

16" x 8"

Step 2 – Unit 2

Take the second Small Churn Dash Block.

Sew the 8" x 8.5" strip to the right side of the block.

Press seam to the outside.

Unit 2 should measure:

16" x 8"

Step 3 – Complete Zone 2

Place Unit 1 on top and Unit 2 on the bottom.

Stitch the two units together.

Press seam open or in the direction of your choice.

Your completed Zone 2 unit should measure:

16" x 15"

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Zone 3 Construction

You Will Need

• (1) Flying Geese Block from Week 3
• (1) Small Churn Dash Block from Week 2
• unfinished size: 8" x 8"
• (1) Fabric strip: 2" x 12.5"
• (1) Fabric strip: 2.5" x 8"
• (1) Fabric strip: 5" x 10"

Step 1 – Flying Geese Unit

Take your Flying Geese Block.

Sew the 2" x 12.5" strip to the top of the Flying Geese Block.

Press seam toward the strip and away from the geese.

Set aside.

This unit should measure:

12.5" x 6"

Step 2 – Small Churn Dash Unit

Take your Small Churn Dash Block.

Sew the 2.5" x 8" strip to the top of the block.

Press seam toward the strip.

Next, sew the 5" x 10" strip to the left side of the unit.

Press seam toward the strip.

This unit should measure:

12.5" x 10"

Step 3 – Complete Zone 3

Attach the Flying Geese Unit to the Small Churn Dash Unit.

Press seam away from the geese.

Your completed Zone 3 unit should measure:

12.5" x 15"

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Final Row Assembly

Lay out your completed zones from left to right:

Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3

Step 1

Sew Zone 1 to Zone 2.

Press seam open or toward the larger unit.

Step 2

Sew Zone 2 to Zone 3.

Press seam open or in the direction of your choice.

Your completed first row should measure:   49" x 16"

Your First Row Should Look Like This:

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Helpful Tips

Measure each zone before joining the row together.

Pin at the beginning, end, and center points to help keep the row even.

There will be no seams to match up!

Press carefully and avoid stretching your seams.

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Be sure to join us on Facebook at Sister of The Divide Quilt Alongs and share your work, we love to see what you are making. Also, be sure to follow us on YouTube for all the tutorials for this QAL and more!

 

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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