🧵 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)
🧵 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)
🧵 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
- Sew one background strip to one print strip , right sides together.
- Press seam toward the darker fabric.
- Subcut into (28) 3” units. (Please refer to the video tutorial for correct cutting instructions)
- 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
📐 Step 2: Create Half Square Triangles (HSTs)
- On the wrong side of each background 4” square, draw a diagonal line corner to corner.
- Pair each with a print 4” square, right sides together.
- Stitch ¼” on both sides of the drawn line.
- Cut on the drawn line to create (2) HSTs per pair.
- Press seams toward the print fabric.
- Trim to 3” x 3”. Refer to video tutorial for example. You will need to trim.
🧵 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
- Sew rows together, pressing seams to nest as instructed in Week 1.
- Sew rows to each other.
- Press final seams toward the center.
📏 Finished Block Size:
- Block measures 8” unfinished
- Finishes at 7.5” in the quilt
💡 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
