Block 1: Churn Dash
Important Note:
Thanks to several of you for pointing out a few typos that made it to the published PDF! I’ve corrected those errors. If you downloaded/printed the PDF before Saturday, 11 January 2025 10:30am ET - please redownload!
Welcome to the 2025 Quilt Along!
It’s finally here—the 2025 Quilt Along has officially begun, and I couldn’t be more excited to share Block 1 with you! We’re kicking things off with the classic Churn Dash Block, a timeless favorite that will only require two fabrics. Whether you’re following along for fun or looking to build a stunning finished quilt, this first block sets the tone for an incredible year of quilting together.
A special thank you to Cotton Cuts for supplying the fabric for this block through their ‘Classic’ subscription box - providing me each month of the program with an assortment of 12 fat quarters curated to my tastes! If you’re looking to stock up on high-quality fabric, explore a puzzle mystery quilt, or subscribe to their fabric or thread options, check them out at CottonCuts.com.
I’m Doing The Full Quilt, How Much Fabric Will I Need?
It all depends on how much variety you want, how big you’re going to make the blocks…so providing an exact fabric requirement is a little difficult. However, if you want to pull fabric that coordinates specifically for this project, here’s what I’d recommend:
Accent/Print fabrics: ~24 fat quarters (allowing you to use 2 per month, and you can always pull in scraps from previous months if additional fabrics are needed)
Background & Sashing fabrics: Between 2-3 yards (for a REALLY scrappy feel, you could try to leverage scraps from other FQs for background, and just pull an accent for sashing!)
Border: Around 1-2 yards
Binding: Around 1 yard.
How Big Will The Quilt Be?
It really depends on which size of the block you’re doing - 3”, 6”, 9”, or 12”, and how many blocks you’ll do. If you follow the quilt along exactly as I have it laid out, then you should have a quilt that measures the following:
If you make 3” finished blocks, your quilt should measure 21” x 27”
If you make 6” finished blocks, your quilt should measure 34” x 42”
If you make 9” finished blocks, your quilt should measure 47” x 58 1/2”
If you make 12” finished blocks, your quilt should measure 60” x 75”
The Churn Dash: A Little History
The Churn Dash Block dates back to the 1800s and is one of the oldest and most beloved quilt blocks. Its simple yet striking design resembles the paddles used to churn butter, which is how it got its name. Historically, this block was a symbol of domestic life and craftsmanship, making it a favorite among early quilters.
This block is an excellent choice for beginners because of its straightforward construction. It features basic units like half-square triangles (HSTs) and strip-pieced rectangles, allowing new quilters to practice essential techniques while still achieving a stunning result. Its versatility also makes it a favorite for experienced quilters who enjoy experimenting with fabric choices and layouts.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Want to ensure your Churn Dash Block turns out beautifully? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Choose fabrics with good contrast: This will make the design pop and highlight the classic Churn Dash shape.
Struggle with HSTs? Add an extra 1/4" or 1/2" to your cutting size so you can square them down easily for perfect points.
Press before you cut: Give your fabric a good pressing with starch before you start cutting. This will help ensure clean cuts and crisp edges.
Ready to Get Started?
Download the free PDF below for detailed cutting instructions, assembly diagrams, and tips to complete your Churn Dash Block. Then, watch the step-by-step tutorial on YouTube (video drops at 10a ET on Saturday, January 11, 2025) to quilt along with me in real-time!
Let’s make something amazing together. Happy quilting!