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

Divide & Dash Quilt Along

---

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

---

🧵 HST Units (Corners)

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

---

🧵 Strip Sets (Side Units)

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

---

🧵 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

---

✂️ 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

---

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

---

 ✂️ 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

---

Stitching:

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

---

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

---

Trim:

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

---

🧩 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.

---

🧵 Step 4: Assemble the Block

Sew Rows:

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

---

Press Rows:

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

---

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

---

✔️ Final Step

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

---

💡 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: 

---