Showing posts with label Beginner Quilting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beginner Quilting. Show all posts

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Divide & Dash Quilt Along – Week 6 | Final Row Assembly & Quilt Finish

 Divide & Dash Quilt Along - Week 6 The Final Row Assembly and Quilt Finish!


Welcome back to Week 6 of the Divide & Dash Quilt Along! This week we are assembling the final row of the quilt and bringing all of our carefully pieced sections together into one beautiful finished quilt top. From the playful Flying Geese units to the bold Churn Dash blocks, this quilt has truly come to life one zone at a time.

This final stage is where everything starts to feel real — rows connect, borders frame the design, and your unique fabric choices finally shine together as a completed project. Whether you chose scrappy fabrics, a controlled palette, or bold modern prints, your Divide & Dash quilt is sure to reflect your own creative style beautifully.  PDF LINK

Zone 6 Assembly Instructions

You Will Need

  • 1 Flying Geese unit
  • 1 Large Churn Dash block

Step 1 — Prepare the Flying Geese Unit

Position your Flying Geese unit so the geese are pointing to the right.

Cut:

  • 1 square measuring 4.5" x 4.5"

Attach the square to the short right side of the Flying Geese unit.

Press seams toward the added fabric.

Set aside.




Step 2 — Add Top and Bottom Borders to the Churn Dash Block

Cut:

  • 2 strips measuring 2.5" x 12.5"

Attach one strip to the top of the Large Churn Dash block and one strip to the bottom.

Press seams away from the block and toward the added strips


Step 3 — Add Side Pieces

Cut:

  • 2 side strips measuring 2.5" x 16.5"

Attach one strip to the right side of the Churn Dash unit and one strip to the left side.

Press seams away from the block and toward the added side strips.




Step 4 — Complete Zone 6

Attach the Flying Geese unit to the Churn Dash unit as pictured below to complete your Zone 6 group.

Press seams away from the Flying Geese unit and toward the Churn Dash unit.

Set aside for final row assembly.








Zone 7 Assembly Instructions

You Will Need

  • 2 Small Churn Dash blocks

Step 1 — Add Side Strips

Cut:

  • 2 strips measuring 2.5" x 8"

Attach one strip to the right side of one Churn Dash block and one strip to the left side of the second Churn Dash block.

Press seams toward the added fabric strips and away from the blocks.





Step 2 — Add Bottom Strips

Cut:

  • 2 strips measuring 3" x 10.5"

Attach one strip to the bottom of each Churn Dash block unit.

Press seams toward the added strips.





Step 3 — Complete Zone 7

Attach the two units together as shown in the accompanying illustration to complete your Zone 7 group.

Press seams to your preferred direction and set aside for final row assembly.



Zone 8 Assembly Instructions

You Will Need

  • 1 Flying Geese unit
  • 1 Small Churn Dash block

Step 1 — Prepare the Flying Geese Unit

Position your Flying Geese unit so the geese are pointing to the right.

Cut:

  • 1 strip measuring 5" x 12.5"

Attach the strip to the top of the Flying Geese unit.

Press seams toward the added strip.

Set aside.




Step 2 — Prepare the Small Churn Dash Unit

Cut:

  • 1 strip measuring 2.5" x 8"

Attach the strip to the left side of the Small Churn Dash block.

Press seams toward the added strip.




Step 3 — Complete Zone 8

Attach the Flying Geese unit to the Small Churn Dash unit with the Flying Geese unit positioned on the left side.

Press seams to your preferred direction and set aside for final row assembly.





Zone 9 Assembly Instructions

You Will Need

  • 1 Large Churn Dash block
  • 1 completed Zone 8 unit

Step 1 — Add Side Panels to the Churn Dash Block

Cut:

  • 1 strip measuring 6.5" x 12.5"
  • 1 strip measuring 4.5" x 12.5"

Attach the 6.5" x 12.5" strip to the left side of the Large Churn Dash block.

Attach the 4.5" x 12.5" strip to the right side of the block.

Press seams toward the added strips.




Step 2 — Complete Zone 9

Attach the completed Zone 8 unit to the top of the Zone 9 unit as shown in the accompanying illustration.

Press seams to your preferred direction and set aside for final row assembly.





Row 3 Assembly Instructions


Step 1 — Join Zones 6 and 7

Take the completed Zone 6 unit and attach the Zone 7 unit to the right side as shown in the accompanying illustration.




Step 2 — Add Zones 8 and 9

Attach the combined Zone 8 and Zone 9 unit to the right side of the Zone 7 unit as shown in the illustration.

Press seams in your preferred direction.

Your completed row should match the accompanying illustration.




Step 3 — Attach Row 3 to the Quilt Center

Attach Row 3 to the bottom of Row 2 to complete the center portion of your quilt.

Press seams as desired.




Step 4 — Add Finishing Borders

To complete the quilt center, add borders to the top and bottom first, followed by borders on both sides.

Measure your quilt carefully before cutting border strips to ensure an accurate fit.

Cut border strips to the measured length of your quilt center.

Using 2.5" wide strips will finish the quilt neatly and frame the design beautifully.


Optional Flying Geese Border

You may choose to add the optional Flying Geese border to your quilt.

Construction instructions for the optional border will be included in the next post.



Finishing Your Quilt

If you are finished at this step, your quilt top is now complete and ready for quilting.

Layer your quilt top, batting, and backing as desired, then quilt using your preferred design.

Finish your quilt by trimming, squaring up, and binding using your favorite binding method.


As we wrap up the center construction of the quilt, take a moment to admire how far you’ve come over these past weeks. Quilting is about more than stitching fabric together — it’s about creativity, comfort, and slowing down long enough to make something meaningful with your hands. Next week we’ll explore the optional Flying Geese border for those wanting an extra finishing touch. Until then, happy quilting!

Follow us on Facebook at Sister of the Divide and Sister of the Divide Quilt Alongs for more fun and to share your process photos. There are also tutorial videos available on our YouTube Channel.

Saturday, May 9, 2026

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.


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


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”


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.


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


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.


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!

Monday, May 4, 2026

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)

🧵 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

  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



📐 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.

🧵 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.

📏 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

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: