Churn Dash Quilt Pattern (Free) – Easy Beginner Quilt Block
Quilt block tutorial and Churn Dash Quilt Pattern idea chart including all the info to make baby to queen size quilts. Ready to sew one of the most beginner friendly quilt blocks around? This Churn Dash block is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, graphic, and the kind of block that works in everything from traditional to modern quilts. Today I’m showing you how to make a BIG 17-inch Churn Dash block and breaking down the math so you can make it in other sizes too.
Whether you’re brand new to quilting or just want a fast finish, this block is a total win. It’s simple to sew and that’s one reason why I love this block so much. It’s the perfect block for a scrappy quilt. Let’s get into it.
Free 17″ Churn Dash Quilt Pattern + Printable
This tutorial walks you through sewing a 17″ finished Churn Dash block, using basic squares, HSTs, and rectangles. Grab an ad free printable version of this pattern — including a cheat sheet with quilt math for multiple block sizes at the end of this post.
What is a Churn Dash Quilt Block?
The Churn Dash is a very old 9-patch quilt block pattern made up of nine sections: one center square, four half square triangles (HSTs), and four rectangles. The layout is a simple nine-patch, and all the pieces are straight seams. There are no curves or tricky angles.
You can make it scrappy, use two colors, or flip the layout for a totally modern look. I love this block for baby quilts, throw quilts, or even oversized table runners.
Fun history note: The Churn Dash pattern dates back to the 1800s and was named after the paddle used in old butter churns. My uncle Ray had an old butter churn and I’ve actually made butter with it.
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THESE OUT!
After you read this post, make sure you also check out Learn How to Quilt for Absolute Beginners. It’s jam packed with information to make your first quilt. It also has links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. There’s lots of free quilt patterns that are great for beginners and all skill levels too. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!
Make sure you grab a copy of my free Quilt Planning Journal. It’s filled with graph paper and note pages to help you design at least 4 quilt or sewing projects! Use it to jot down ideas, fabrics, patterns and inspiration all in one place. Or create your own patterns and share with others. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process!
Fabric You’ll Need for One 17″ Block
Use two contrasting fabrics: a light and a dark. I used fabric yardage scraps and this worked great for the fabric strips needed for the rectangle units. I tried to make this fat quarter friendly but you may need to piece the fabric together to make the strips. or make two strips for two blocks
Cutting instructions:
- (1) 6″ x 6″ square (center block)
- (2) 6.5″ x 6.5″ squares (for 4 HST blocks)
- (2) 3.25″ x 24″ strips (one churn dash fabric and one background fabric)
Subcut after sewing strips together:
- (4) 6″ x 6″ rectangle units
Quilt Math for Churn Dash Blocks
Use this chart to make Churn Dash blocks in different sizes! All blocks finish as squares.
| Finished Block Size | Center Unit (cut) | HST Squares (cut) | Strips (for rectangle units) | Subcut Rectangle Size (unfinished) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6″ | 2.5″ x 2.5″ | (2) 3″ squares | (2) 1.5″ x 10″ strips | (4) 2.5″ x 2.5″ |
| 9″ | 3.5″ x 3.5″ | (2) 4″ squares | (2) 2″ x 14″ strips | (4) 3.5″ x 3.5″ |
| 12″ | 4.5″ x 4.5″ | (2) 5″ squares | (2) 2.5″ x 18″ strips | (4) 4.5″ x 4.5″ |
| 15″ | 5.5″ x 5.5″ | (2) 6″ squares | (2) 3.25″ x 22″ strips | (4) 5.5″ x 5.5″ |
| 17″ | 6″ x 6″ | (2) 6.5″ squares | (2) 3.25″ x 24″ strips | (4) 6″ x 6″ |
| 18″ | 7″ x 7″ | (2) 7.5″ squares | (2) 3.75″ x 28″ strips | (4) 7″ x 7″ |
How to Sew a Churn Dash Block (Step-by-Step)
- Make your half-square triangle blocks
- Use your 6.5″ squares to make 4 HSTs (two-at-a-time method).
- Trim to 6″ x 6″.
- Need more help, check out how to make a half square triangle and easy formula chart here.
- Make the rectangle units
- Sew one light 3.25″ x 24″ strip to one dark 3.25″ x 24″ strip, right sides together.
- Press toward the dark.
- Subcut into four rectangles measuring 6″ x 6″. Line a straight line on your ruler with the middle seam line before sub cutting.
- Layout your block
- Arrange in a 3×3 grid:
- Corners: HSTs with backgroud fabric on the outside
- Center: 6″ square (background fabric)
- Sides: Rectangle units (background fabric on the outside)
- Arrange in a 3×3 grid:
- Sew it together
- Sew rows together using 1/4″ seam allowance. Then join the rows to finish the block using 1/4″ seam allowance.
- Press well and square up if needed. Pro tip: For best results, press from the back of the block. Then turn over and press on the front of the block.
Tips for Success
- Double check the orientation of your HSTs before you sew. Draw a diagonal line on the back of the background fabric and sew along both sides of the line using 1/4″ seam allowance.
- Chain piece when making multiple blocks to save time.
- Check your rectangle blocks before you sew the quilt block. Lay on cutting matt and make sure that each color fabric measures half of the center block. For the 17″ block, each color rectangle in the finished block should be 3″. Check vertically and horizontally before sewing blocks together.
Make a Quilt with This Block
Here’s how many 17″ blocks you need depending on the quilt size:
| Quilt Size | Layout | Finished Size |
| Baby Quilt | 2 x 2 blocks | 34″ x 34″ |
| Throw Quilt | 3 x 3 blocks | 51″ x 51″ |
| Twin Quilt | 3 x 5 blocks | 51″ x 85″ |
| Queen Quilt | 4 x 5 blocks | 68″ x 85″ |
Use sashing, borders, or negative space to increase the size!
Want More Quilt Patterns?
- Try one of these Free and Easy Half Square Triangle Quilt Patterns.
- Or check out Big Stars Eight Point Star Quilt Pattern.
- Need a good backing idea? See How to Back a Quilt with Scraps.
External Resources
- More about the history of Churn Dash blocks from the National Park Service
- Free quilt block patterns library by Generations Quilt Patterns you may like.
Grab the Printable Version
Get the cheat sheet and full step-by-step printable pattern for this 17″ Churn Dash block.
You can find ad-free digital downloads of all my quilt patterns in my shop. Everything is easy to print and follow, no popups or distractions.
Need help with what quilting supplies to buy? Go to the Resource page for a list of all my favorite quilting products.
ABOUT SEW NIKKI
If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! I’m Nikki, a maker obsessed with quilting, crochet, and all things fabric. Here, you’ll find easy-to-follow patterns, helpful tutorials, and plenty of inspiration for your next handmade project. Grab your fabric (or yarn), and let’s create something beautiful together! Read more about me here.
The Churn Dash quilt block was also known as the Monkey Wrench Block. Wonder where they got this name from? Got questions or tips to share? Drop them in the comments below!
Happy sewing! Let me know if you make this one and tag me @sewnikki6 on Instagram so I can cheer you on!
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Want to learn how to crochet? Check out this post, How to Learn How to Crochet – Guide for Beginners.
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Ohhhh!! I love this easy quilt pattern! It would make the cutest baby blanket!🤩