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.
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"
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"
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"
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:
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.
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!
