Churn Dash Adorableness

Aren't these little Churn Dash blocks adorable? They are 4 1/2 inches square. They are the next step in the Flea Market Sew Along I am doing with Lori Holt.

A cool thing about these little blocks is that they are made in an unexpected way. There are no half square triangles involved! Lori has a technique she calls Easy Corner Triangles, where she has you sew diagonally across a background square and trim away the excess fabric. You have all done this I am sure (Sew and Flip ?), but it is not expected in the Churn Dash block, which typically has four half-square triangles. Here is Lori's tutorial if you are interested. 

I have always loved sewing with a seam guide which I follow instead of drawing lines on fabric squares. I have had a few over the years, my favorite being one called "Angler 2" which you cannot get anymore. Lori Holt has a seam guide she called "Seams So Easy", which is very good and also cute.

You tape it to your sewing machine throatplate and use it as a guide when sewing. For the Churn Dash block, you simply sew diagonally on a square, flip it over, trim the excess and there is your unit.

Line your square up carefully, start sewing right at the tip and slowly move your piece through the machine carefully keeping that bottom tip (where I am pointing with my ripper) right on the center red line. Comes out perfectly every time. I hate taking the time to draw sewing lines, so this is a big time saver.

Flip the fabric over the sewing line, press, and trim away the excess.

I have to make 24 of these little guys, so I'll take tools that make the job easier any time!

Comments

[Betty]

I have used permanent marker on my sewing bed to draw the line and also a new tape that just sticks to the sewing bed. Both work well.

[Christy Johnson]

I use Diagonal seam tape by Cluck Cluck Sew. Missouri Star Quilt Co carries it as does other shops. It’s a game changer. It’s removable and doesn’t cause sticky residue left behind.

[Debbie R.]

Those blocks are cute! Great tip for making them easy and accurate.

[Jan]

Churn Dash blocks are some of my favorites & those are so cute! I'm not a fan of line drawing, either. Those colors are pretty together!

[sue s]

I might be more likely to do 4 1/2" squares with sew 'n' flip corners. Thanks! I have used the diagonal seam tape and found it does leave sticky on my acrylic sewing machine extension, especially if left for awhile.

[CarolE]

Your Churn Dash blocks are adorable. And the Easy Corner Triangles, what a clever idea!

[Ina]

I don't know why but tiny blocks are very cute. ;p

[Nann]

Clever technique. I've used the Angler and another one by...hmm, I can't remember. My machine is in a well with a plexiglass surround (I have a Tracy's Table) and a piece of blue masking tape affixed to the underside of the surround marks that line.