
FREE QUILT BLOCK TUTORIAL: Churn Dash
Want to learn to sew a quick and versatile quilt block? The churn dash quilt block (also known as the monkey wrench quilt block) is a great place to start!
This tutorial creates a small block – 6 1/2″ square – that is the perfect size to use scraps for practice and to turn into a mug rug!
For this example I used 3 prints from my Homestead Life Fabric sold by Riley Blake Designs.

FABRIC 1: Flowers on white
- (2) 3″ squares
- (1) 2.5″ square
- (4) 1.5″ x 2.5″ rectangles
FABRIC 2: Flowers on green
- (2) 3″ squares
FABRIC 3: Golden Wheat
- (4) 1.5″ x 2.5″ rectangles
STEP 1: Create 4 half-square triangles (HST)


Place the FABRIC 1 and FABRIC 2 squares, right sides together. (You will make 2 sets which will create the four corners of your block)
Draw a line diagonally on one square.
Stitch 1/4″ to each side of the line.
Cut on the diagonal line you drew originally.
Press towards the darker color fabric.
Square the HSTs to 2.5″.
STEP 2: Create the building blocks

Place the FABRIC 2 and FABRIC 3 rectangles, right sides together. (You will make 4 sets)
Stitch together with 1/4″ seam along long side of the rectangle.
Press towards the darker color fabric.
Layout your Churn Dash block as shown. I like to put mine on a felt square or wool pressing square so everything stays in place and I can move it if need be. Pay attention to any directionality of your fabric.
STEP 3: Sew the Churn Dash Block together

Sew the 3 building blocks together for each row. Press seams to darker fabric.
Sew the 3 rows together to make the Churn Dash block. Press seams open and square the block.
Your finished block should be 6.5″ square.

OPTIONAL: Create a Mug Rug!

This block is the perfect size for a mug rug – a great gift or for yourself!
I used Pellon 987F Fusible fleece and ironed it onto the back of the Churn Dash block. I then placed the block, wrong sides together, onto a piece of fabric that would be the bottom of my mug rug.
I quilted the pieces together by stitching along the seam lines.
Then add binding and you are done!
Pretty quick and easy – have a creative day!
– Tara Reed
P.S. If you make this block I’d love to see it!
Tag me on Instagram: @artisttarareed
Share it on Pinterest: pinterest.com/artisttarareed
P.P.S. Want to see more free projects using my Homestead Life Fabric? CLICK HERE >
Thanks so much for this great tutorial. Can you tell me where you got the “Believe” mug?
Unfortunately they aren’t making those mugs any longer but you might still find them on Amazon or eBay…