Churn Dash
A little bit of history
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.
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.
Always remember FINISHED SIZE means the size it will be in a completed quilt. The measurements given already have the ¼ inch allowance included.
*SQ = Square/Squares
| Finished Block Size | Strip (light & dark) | Cut 2 squares (light & dark) | Center square (light) |
| 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 |
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”
Block variations
The Churn Dash quilt block has some variations that are not easily seen at first sight, but they are almost the same.
The Farmer's Wife quilt series includes the Churn Dash quilt block twice, as Wrench and as Churn Dash.
You can find video tutorials 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!
Connected Links
- Greek Cross quilt block tutorial
- Farmer's Wife Quilt series
- Wrench Quilt Block in FWQ
- More Nine Patch quilt blocks
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