Churn Dash Quilt Variations

Even though the churn dash is a simple block, there are endless variations for using it in a quilt. Playing with colour will give you lots of modern and complex-looking quilts that will not even be recognizable as churn dash.

These ideas will get you started designing your own quilt with churn dash blocks. For more inspiration, check out the Churn Dash Block Inspiration Workbook.

Layout one – Just the block

Using just churn dash blocks alone doesn’t have to be boring. This is a great way to showcase fabric and colour.

This could be used for a simple two-colour quilt as shown, or with many colours.

Layout two – With sashing

This is a very traditional layout, but traditional doesn’t have to mean boring.

You could use a contrasting fabric for the sashing or you could match it to the background fabric to give more negative space between the blocks. There is a lot of room for creativity.

Layout three – With alternate blocks

Adding plain alternate blocks to traditional blocks often gives some kind of chain effect. With churn dash block that is very pronounced.

There are many fun effects that can be made with colour choices.

Layout four – On point

Turning blocks on point gives a whole new look to a quilt.

This quilt would not be quickly recognized as a churn dash quilt, but it is. It uses three colours and two different variations of churn dash blocks. This is a great example of how versatile a traditional block is.

Layout five – On point with alternates

Adding alternate plain blocks on point not only adds fun to the design, it also makes it quicker to assemble.

The plain blocks can be used to add fancy quilting designs, applique or embroidery.

No matter how you use it, the churn dash block will give you a beautiful quilt.

Tutorial

See how to make the churn dash block.

Want colouring pages to play with colour and design your own churn dash quilts? Get the Churn Dash Inspiration Workbook.