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| Churn Dash & Stars Quilt |
Designed by Mary Johnson of MaryQuilts.com, Churn Dash & Stars Quilt is a must have if you're seeking a quilt project that combines traditional quilting with great visual movement. This pattern alternates two iconic heritage blocks to form a lively, intricate and eye-catching lattice effect, though much simpler to stitch than it appears.
Pattern Breakdown & Construction
The design is based on 9" finished blocks (9.5" with seam allowances) that are arranged in an alternating 5 x 7 pattern with a total of 35 blocks.
- 18 Churn Dash Blocks (Block A): The blocks are simple and classic, and are joined together with 4 – 3.5” half square triangles (HSTs) and 3.5” center square, as well as sub-cut pieces from 2” strip sets.
- 17 Star Blocks (Block B): Constructed with a blue-and-white 4-patch center, red-and-white 4-patch borders and sharp-star points. In this section, Mary leaves piecers completely open to piecing the 3.5” star points in any way they choose: foundation paper piecing, using Peaky and Spike templates, or an AccuQuilt Triangle in a Square die.
Sizing, Fabrics, & Border Options
Mary's design is one of the best aspects of it, because it is so versatile. The project can be completed in two different ways:
- Pieced Border Option (~57" × 75"): Pieces with four-patches, HSTs, and strip pieces from the units that remain after cutting them all out, but were not used in the blocks, into the border to visually extend the blocks into the border and make a continuous loop around the perimeter of the block.
- Plain Border Option (~54" × 72"): A simple frame option consisting of a 2” inner border and 3.5” outer border (best suited for a simpler look or for saving time).
The pattern is heavily based on 2" strip sets (sewing accent strips to background strips) for ease of assembly. Approximate yardage: 1¾ yards of red, 2½ yards of background (white/cream), 1½8 yards of blue. The classic tri-colour effect highlights a lovely Americana style but can equally be used as a scrappy stash-buster.
Final Thought
The Churn Dash & Stars Quilt is so satisfying because it quilters together with such efficiency, but looks so complicated. Mary Johnson, through her ingenuity in strip piecing and easy-to-use 9-inch blocks, has developed a pattern that is both fun to cut and fun to sew! An excellent block assembly project for intermediate quilters or daring quilters who want to take their skills to the next level.
Full Pattern: Churn Dash & Stars Quilt Free PDF Pattern
