churn dash quilt block tutorial

Churn Dash

The Churn Dash quilt block goes around with so many names and so many different but similar versions. Really easy for beginners and very beautiful to make.

churn dash quilt block tutorial
via Cotton & Steel
A little bit of history

via Quilting in America

The Churn Dash is a very old quilt block pattern, originating between 1800 and 1849. Its name is a result of the resemblance of the triangle and rectangle perimeter of the block to a butter churn and the center square to the stick (or “dash”) of the butter churn.

Much has been written about the Churn Dash or Monkey Wrench pattern being used in the mid-1800s as a clue to assist runaway slaves by the Underground Railroad. As romantic as that notion may be, there are many scholars who insist that for a variety of reasons it is not very likely.

churn dash quilt block tutorial
via Bleu is bleu
Cutting Instructions for the Churn Dash quilt block

Always be careful of the colors you are choosing. They can easily mess up your block (or quilt) or on the contrary, make it shine! I prefer to make a test block before cutting pieces for the whole quilt. It makes me more confident to continue and make the whole thing.

And always remember FINISHED SIZE means the size it will be in a completed quilt. The measurements given already have the ¼ inch allowance included.

Finished Block Size

*SQ = Square/Squares

Cut 1 from the light & the dark fabric
Cut 2 sq from the light & dark fabric
cut 1 sq from the light fabric (for center)

6 inches

1.5 x 11 inches

2-7/8 inches

2.5 inches

9 inches

2 x 15 inches

3-7/8 inches

3.5 inches

12 inches

3 x 19 inches

4-7/8 inches

4.5 inches

churn dash quilt
via Diary of a quilter
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Names of the block

Broken plate, Double monkey wrench, Double T, Dragon’s head, Fisherman’s reel, Hens and chickens, Hole in the barn door, Indian hammer, Joan’s doll quilt, Lincoln’s platform, Love knot, Ludlow’s favorite, Old mill design, Picture frame, Puss in the corner, Quail’s nest, Sherman’s March, Shoo fly, Wrench

#REFERENCE: Maggie Malone “5500 Quilt Blocks Designs”
via Laura Taylor
Block variations

The Churn dash quilt block has some variations that are not easily seen at first sight, but they are almost the same.

churn dash quilt block variations

The Farmer’s Wife quilt series includes the Churn Dash quilt block, two times, as Wrench and as Churn Dash.

You can find VIDEO tutorial for some of the block variations here:

GREEK CROSS

Video tutorial of the Churn Dash quilt block

I hope you will enjoy this video tutorial on how to make the CHURN DASH quilt block and don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more quilt blocks!

Have you made this block using our tutorial?
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Modern quilts by Zafiro Vaxevanidou

Zarkadia Quilting Co. is a home-based company that focuses on making special and unique quilts that hug and caress. Quilts are love, tenderness, warmth and cure. Enjoy and be inspired by this art form and know yourself in the process.

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One Comment
Video Tutorial: Greek Cross quilt block tutorial for beginners
December 11, 2017 5:04 pm

[…] Greek cross has the exact same variations as the Churn Dash. So click on the Churn Dash quilt block to find out […]

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