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
Finished Size: 12" (12½" unfinished)
Make 5 Blocks
✂️ Step 1: Make the
Strip Sets (Side Units)
- Place one background strip
(2½" x 20") right sides together with one print strip
(2½" x 20")
- Sew along the long edge using a ¼"
seam allowance
- 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)
- On the wrong side of each
5" background square, draw a diagonal line corner to corner
- 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:
- Cut on the drawn line
- Press to set seams
- Gently open with your fingers
first
- 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:
- Nest your seams and stitch rows together
- Press to set seams
- 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
