The Churn Dash Quilting Block

Everyone has one or two favorite quilting blocks This one is my favorite blocks. The Churn Dash is a classic, vintage quilting block.  It is frugal and easy to make. 

The Churndash block is made from half square triangles, rectangles, and a square in the center.

In the picture to the left with the grids, you can see that this is a 9 patch block.  You can see the four half square triangles in the corners of the block.  

If you construct the half square triangles to finish at 4 inches, then the center block would be cut 4 1/2 inches raw.

You can cut two strips of fabric for the rectangles, sew them together, and then cut the strips the desired size.  Again, if you want them to finish at 4 inches, you cut the strips 2 1/2 inches, and after they are sew together (you would lose 1/2 inch in the seam) the width will measure 4 1/2 inches raw. 

Cut the strip length also at 4 1/2 inches raw.  These blocks will finish at 4 inches when sewn to another fabric.

Just make sure you sew your half square triangles accurately, so you have the 1/4 inch seam allowance at the end of the points, and can piece this block without cutting them off.

The Churndash looks good in a variety of prints. To the left is a Churndash done with batik fabric and a Churndash done with patriotic fabric.

This block also looks good with the blocks set on point and a diagonal set.

Have some fun with this frugal and easy block.  This is one of those blocks that do not confuse you.  It is hard to mess up. Also, the center square is a great opportunity to showcase a special fabric or print.