A downloadable PDF quilt pattern by Exshaw Quilts, designed for confident beginners who love traditional quilt blocks with a clean, modern feel.
This pattern walks you step-by-step through making a 15″ × 15″ quilted tote bag, with clear diagrams, cutting charts, and thoughtful construction tips.
STORY
Like many traditional quilt blocks, this one goes by more than one name. The Churn Dasher (not to be confused with the Churn Dash) is also known as the 4× Star or 5 Patch Star. This particular color arrangement first appeared in an 1885 Vickery and Hill Company periodical and was later identified as the Churn Dasher by Hearth and Home. I chose this block for one simple reason—I love it. It’s bold, graphic, and a joy to piece. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do.
ABOUT THE PATTERN
Churn Dasher is a quilted tote bag pattern that blends classic churn dash block piecing with a straightforward, beginner-friendly construction method. The instructions are clear, repeatable, and designed to help you enjoy the process—not stress through it.
Perfect for weekend sewing, everyday errands, gift-making, or slowing down with a meaningful, functional project.
SKILL LEVEL
Confident Beginner
(Watch the tutorial: https://youtu.be/gjGSbyeOTK4)
FINISHED SIZE
• 15″ × 15″ quilted tote bag
• Approx. 2½″ boxed bottom for added structure
• Comfortable shoulder-length strap
WHAT’S INCLUDED (AND WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT)
✔ Step-by-step written instructions
✔ Clear cutting charts and piecing diagrams
✔ Traditional churn dash block construction using HSTs
✔ Tote assembly, quilting, and finishing instructions
✔ Helpful tips for fabric choices and layout
✔ Printer-friendly PDF layout
✔ 100% original Exshaw Quilts pattern
✔ Instant digital download
DESIGN FEATURES
• Classic churn dash quilt block with a clean, modern layout
• Designed as a functional, everyday tote—not just a display piece
• Works beautifully with solids, hand-dyed fabric, or high-contrast prints
• Forgiving construction with repeatable steps
• Structured base for durability and ease of use
CONSTRUCTION & TECHNIQUES
• Traditional piecing
• Half-square triangles (HSTs)
• Straight seams throughout
• Boxed corners for depth
• Assumes ¼″ seam allowance
• Assumes 42″ usable width of fabric (WOF)
MATERIALS & SPECS
• Quilting cotton
• Batting or fusible fleece (for added structure)
• Thread
• Basic quilting tools (rotary cutter, ruler, sewing machine)
Full fabric requirements and cutting instructions are included inside the pattern.
DELIVERY
📥 This is a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (PDF)
No physical item will be mailed.
You’ll receive instant access after purchase.
USAGE & LICENSING
This pattern is for personal, non-commercial use only.
You may not sell items made from this pattern or share, copy, or redistribute the pattern itself.
SUPPORT
If you have questions while sewing, I’m happy to help—just send a message.
I also share tutorials, tips, and behind-the-scenes quilting on my website and YouTube.
Email: hello@exshawquilts.com
Website: exshawquilts.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exshawquilts
SHARE YOUR MAKE
I love seeing your finished projects!
Tag @exshaw on Instagram and use #EXSHAWQUILTS
A downloadable PDF quilt pattern by Exshaw Quilts, designed for confident beginners who love traditional quilt blocks with a clean, modern feel.
This pattern walks you step-by-step through making a 15″ × 15″ quilted tote bag, with clear diagrams, cutting charts, and thoughtful construction tips.
STORY
Like many traditional quilt blocks, this one goes by more than one name. The Churn Dasher (not to be confused with the Churn Dash) is also known as the 4× Star or 5 Patch Star. This particular color arrangement first appeared in an 1885 Vickery and Hill Company periodical and was later identified as the Churn Dasher by Hearth and Home. I chose this block for one simple reason—I love it. It’s bold, graphic, and a joy to piece. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do.
ABOUT THE PATTERN
Churn Dasher is a quilted tote bag pattern that blends classic churn dash block piecing with a straightforward, beginner-friendly construction method. The instructions are clear, repeatable, and designed to help you enjoy the process—not stress through it.
Perfect for weekend sewing, everyday errands, gift-making, or slowing down with a meaningful, functional project.
SKILL LEVEL
Confident Beginner
(Watch the tutorial: https://youtu.be/gjGSbyeOTK4)
FINISHED SIZE
• 15″ × 15″ quilted tote bag
• Approx. 2½″ boxed bottom for added structure
• Comfortable shoulder-length strap
WHAT’S INCLUDED (AND WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT)
✔ Step-by-step written instructions
✔ Clear cutting charts and piecing diagrams
✔ Traditional churn dash block construction using HSTs
✔ Tote assembly, quilting, and finishing instructions
✔ Helpful tips for fabric choices and layout
✔ Printer-friendly PDF layout
✔ 100% original Exshaw Quilts pattern
✔ Instant digital download
DESIGN FEATURES
• Classic churn dash quilt block with a clean, modern layout
• Designed as a functional, everyday tote—not just a display piece
• Works beautifully with solids, hand-dyed fabric, or high-contrast prints
• Forgiving construction with repeatable steps
• Structured base for durability and ease of use
CONSTRUCTION & TECHNIQUES
• Traditional piecing
• Half-square triangles (HSTs)
• Straight seams throughout
• Boxed corners for depth
• Assumes ¼″ seam allowance
• Assumes 42″ usable width of fabric (WOF)
MATERIALS & SPECS
• Quilting cotton
• Batting or fusible fleece (for added structure)
• Thread
• Basic quilting tools (rotary cutter, ruler, sewing machine)
Full fabric requirements and cutting instructions are included inside the pattern.
DELIVERY
📥 This is a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (PDF)
No physical item will be mailed.
You’ll receive instant access after purchase.
USAGE & LICENSING
This pattern is for personal, non-commercial use only.
You may not sell items made from this pattern or share, copy, or redistribute the pattern itself.
SUPPORT
If you have questions while sewing, I’m happy to help—just send a message.
I also share tutorials, tips, and behind-the-scenes quilting on my website and YouTube.
Email: hello@exshawquilts.com
Website: exshawquilts.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exshawquilts
SHARE YOUR MAKE
I love seeing your finished projects!
Tag @exshaw on Instagram and use #EXSHAWQUILTS
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