Divide & Dash QAL Week 7: Finishing with the Optional Flying Geese Border

 

Divide & Dash Quilt Along Correction

Week 7 – Optional Flying Geese Border

After weeks of stitching, pressing, and assembling our Divide & Dash quilt, we've arrived at the final step! This week we're adding the optional Flying Geese border, a feature that frames the quilt beautifully while adding movement and visual interest. With just sixteen Flying Geese units and four cornerstone squares, you'll create a striking finish that ties the entire design together. Let's put the finishing touches on your quilt and get it ready for quilting and binding!

Congratulations on reaching the final step of the Divide & Dash Quilt Along! This optional Flying Geese border adds movement and a beautiful finishing touch to your quilt. Take your time with placement and pay close attention to the direction of your geese to create a border that flows seamlessly around the quilt.  PDF File: 

Materials Needed

• 16 Flying Geese units (constructed in Week 3)

• 4 Cornerstone squares measuring 4½" x 4½"

Prepare Your Flying Geese Units

Carefully remove the paper from all Flying Geese units before beginning assembly.

Construct the Side Borders

1. Select 4 Flying Geese units.

2. Stitch the units together end-to-end, ensuring all geese are flying in the same direction.

3. Press seams as desired.

4. Attach the completed border unit to the right side of your quilt using a ¼" seam allowance.

5. Repeat to create a second side border and attach it to the left side of your quilt.

    

Your right border will fly this direction

Your left border will fly this direction

Construct the Top and Bottom Borders

1. Stitch 4 Flying Geese units together end-to-end, again keeping all geese flying in the same direction.

2. Add one 4½" cornerstone square to each end of the border unit.

3. Press seams as desired.

4. Position the completed border along the top edge of the quilt.

5. Match the cornerstone seams to the seams where the side borders join the quilt center.

6. Pin carefully and stitch in place using a ¼" seam allowance.

7. Repeat for the bottom border.

Your top border will fly this direction

Your bottom border will fly this direction

Final Tip

Before stitching, double-check the orientation of your Flying Geese units. The geese should appear to fly continuously around the quilt, creating a smooth visual flow around the entire border.

Congratulations! Your Divide & Dash quilt is now complete and ready for quilting, binding, and enjoying. Thank you for stitching along with me. I hope this project has inspired you to mix traditional blocks with modern design and encouraged you to make the pattern uniquely your own.

Thank you for joining me on this Divide & Dash Quilt Along adventure. Whether this was your first quilt or one of many, I hope you've enjoyed watching this design come together one zone at a time. I'd love to see your finished quilts, so be sure to share them in the Face Book Sister of The Divide Quilt Along group. Until our next project, keep stitching, keep creating, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Happy quilting! 🧵💕

Happy Quilting!

Designed by Karen Meyer
Sister of The Divide

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)

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🧵 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)

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🧵 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

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📐 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.

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🧵 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.

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📏 Finished Block Size:

• Block measures 8” unfinished
• Finishes at 7.5” in the quilt

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💡 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

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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

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🧵 HST Units (Corners)

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

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🧵 Strip Sets (Side Units)

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

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🧵 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

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✂️ 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

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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

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 ✂️ 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

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Stitching:

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

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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

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Trim:

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

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🧩 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.

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🧵 Step 4: Assemble the Block

Sew Rows:

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

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Press Rows:

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

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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

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✔️ Final Step

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

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💡 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:

 Divide & Dash Quilt Along : How to Construct The Large Churn Dash Block

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Divide & Dash Quilt Along

 

Divide & Dash Quilt Along – Step 1

Welcome to the first step of our Divide & Dash Quilt Along!

This overview includes fabric requirements for a 50" x 50" quilt, with an optional border that will bring the finished size to 58" x 58". You’ll also find two coloring pages—one with the border and one without—so you can plan your design. If you prefer, the border can be made as a solid instead of pieced.

We’ll begin cutting fabric this week, so start gathering your fabrics now. I plan to post cutting directions on Wednesday.

This quilt will move along quickly as we build on skills you’ve already developed—Half Square Triangles and strip sets will get us off to a strong start.

Construction Overview

• We will construct all blocks first, then assemble the quilt in “zones.”
• This approach gives you flexibility to choose between:
  • a scrappy finish, or
  • a single background

For the flying geese blocks, we will be using paper piecing for accuracy, but I’ll also teach a second method so you can choose what works best for you.

Blocks We’ll Be Making

• Large Block: 12.5" unfinished (finishes at 12")
• Small Block: 8" unfinished (finishes at 7.5")
• Flying Geese Block: 4.5" x 12.5" unfinished (finishes at 4" x 12")

This Week’s Goal

Our goal is to:

• Get your fabrics cut
• Begin assembling the first 5 large Churn Dash blocks this weekend

(Fingers crossed!)

Additional Resources

I’ll also be posting instructions and tutorials on:

• The blog: www.sisterofthedivide.blogspot.com
• Our YouTube channel (link coming soon)

Design Flexibility

This quilt is designed to be versatile—you can substitute any blocks as long as they measure:

• 12.5" unfinished, or
• 8.5" unfinished

This makes it a great opportunity to use orphan blocks or experiment with future quilt ideas.

Helpful Tool (Optional)

The tool mentioned in the Facebook Live is the 3-in-1 Color Tool by Joen Wolfrom.
While not required, it’s a fantastic resource for color planning and small enough to keep in your purse when shopping. Many local quilt shops carry it, and it’s typically under $20. 3 in 1 color tool link

What You’ll See Next

I’ll be sharing three color examples:

1. With border (solid background) see above
2. Without border (zones marked)see below
3. Scrappy version Top picture

A Quick Personal Note

As I mentioned in the Live, Mr. Sister is currently dealing with some health issues, and we’ll be attending doctor appointments over the next several weeks. I appreciate your patience with posting timelines—I will do my very best to keep everything moving so you can continue your progress.

This quilt is designed to be fun, approachable, and a great stepping stone for future projects.

Here is a  Coloring Page for you to start thinking about your quilt design: 

With optional border

Join In! Follow our Quilt Along Group on Facebook here: Sister of The Divide Quilt Alongs Group A PDF of the coloring page is on our Facebook page in the file section at the top of the page. 

This week:

• Share your fabric choices
• Post photos
• Ask questions
• Offer feedback

Your participation is what makes this group so special—we all love seeing what you’re creating!

Thank you so much for being here. 💛

Fabric Requirements for the Divide & Dash Quilt Along

PDF Link Divide & Dash Fabric Requirements PDF

Scrappy Version

• Churn Dash Prints: 1½ – 2 yards total
• Scrappy Fillers: 1½ yards total
• Flying Geese (Prints): 1/3 yard
• Flying Geese Background: 1/3 yard
• Inner Border: ⅓ yard
• Binding: ½ yard
• Backing:
• 3¾ yards (WOF), or
• 1¾ yards (108" wide backing)
• Optional Flying Geese Border: 
• Flying Geese Print 1 yard
• Flying Geese Background 3/4 yard

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Single Background Version

• Block Fabrics: 2 yards total
• Background Fabric: 2½ yards
• Flying Geese (Prints): ¾ yard
• Flying Geese Background: ¾ yard
• Inner Border: ⅓ yard
• Binding: ½ yard
• Backing: same as above
• Optional Flying Geese Border: same as above

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Notes

Fabric requirements are estimates and may vary depending on cutting method, fabric width, and individual sewing practices. It is recommended to purchase a little extra fabric to allow for cutting errors, shrinkage, and directional prints.

PNW Quilt Adventure of The Year!

🌲🧵 THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST QUILT ADVENTURE OF THE YEAR 🧵🌲

Oregon • Washington • Idaho — it’s time for the All Pacific Northwest Shop Hop 2026, and this year it’s BIGGER than ever! 🚗✨

For two months, quilters will be traveling across the PNW visiting 126 incredible quilt shops, collecting exclusive patterns, prizes, and inspiration at every stop. 🎁

But here’s the real magic…

This isn’t just a shop hop — it’s a COMMUNITY experience. ❤️
Road trips with quilty friends.
Discovering hidden gem shops.
Finding fabrics you didn’t even know you needed.
Making memories that last long after the hop ends.

I’ll be sharing my journey, favorite finds, tips for planning your route, and behind-the-scenes inspiration all along the way — so make sure you’re following so you don’t miss a single stop. 🗺️✨

👇 TELL ME 👇
Which state are you hopping from — Oregon, Washington, or Idaho?

Be sure to get by your local quilt shop to pick up a copy of the All Pacific Northwest Shop Hop Magazine for 2026, just like I did! Here in Idaho Falls, you can get your copy at Day Dreams Quilt N. Sew located at 802 Pancheri Drive. Don't delay, they are going fast. The magazine contains your passport to all the shops, maps for you to plan with, 5 FREE quilt patterns and a complete list of all the prizes that could be yours. You are not going to want to miss it one! 

If you’re new here, I’m Karen — pattern designer, quilt maker, and your guide to building a creative quilting life. Welcome to the adventure. 💚

#PNWShopHop #QuiltCommunity #QuiltAdventure #QuiltersOfInstagram #ShopHop2026 #OregonQuilters #WashingtonQuilters #IdahoQuilters #SisterOfTheDivide

Clue 4, Valentine 26 Mystery Quilt

 

Valentines 26 Mystery Quilt Clue 4

The last week of December, we introduced clues 1, 2 and 3 in our Mystery Quilt.

You will need to make 17 hearts for the quilt. You can make all your hearts the same or you can mix them up as your heart desires (all puns intended!)

This week, in Clue 4, you will be adding pieces to your hearts to create an economy block. PDF link HERE.

 

You will need to cut 34 squares of your background fabric that measure 3.75” square.

TIP: If you are a new quilter, I would suggest that you cut only 2 squares and follow the instructions, see how your block comes out, if you need additional fabric to be able to achieve the finished block size, then cut your squares at 4”. This will give you more leeway. 

Generally, 3 strips of your background fabric that measure 3.75” x WOF,  will give you enough to complete this clue.

Subcut your background 3.75” squares on the diagonal. You will need 68 to complete your 17 heart blocks.

Fold your heart block in half and finger crease on opposite sides as shown in the photo. You can elect to mark that crease at this time, so that it is easier to see.  I use a SEWLINE Air Erase pen to do this. I am not sponsored by them, it’s just what I like to use. You can use any marking method that does not leave a permanent mark. Take your background fabric and with WRONG SIDES TOGETHER fold the tips and make a crease in the center as shown in the photo.

Line your creased edge of your background fabric with the crease on your block and pin in place. Do the same for the opposite side.

Stitch a ¼” seam allowance down each side as shown in the photo. Press to the outside as shown in the photo.DO NOT CUT OFF THE DOG EARS AT THIS POINT.

Turn your block and repeat the process as above with the two remaining opposite sides. Before you press open your block, you can now trim the first set of dog ears as shown in the photo. And press your block open.

Using your square up ruler, you will need to square your block up to 5.75” as shown in the photo.

Clue 5 will come out on January 16th, 2026. Please contact me if you have any questions. The video for Clue 4 is up on our YouTube Channel. Subscribe so you don't miss out and give us a like!                             Click Here for the Video.

We have a group on Facebook where you can share your progress and ask questions. Click Here.

The mystery is FREE and will be up until February 14th, 2026. After that you can purchase the pattern in our Etsy Shop.

Clue 5 will be fun ad will have 3 options for you to select from for you quilt. This way, you can make it your own!

Thanks for Playing Along with us!

If you need fabric for your hearts, we have fat quarter bundles at a great price in our Etsy Shop. $2.00/ fat quarter!