The Patchwork Auditions blocks are so much fun. Today I show you the sixth block in the series. I am not sure yet if there will be 7 or 8 blocks for this series. I know there will be at least one more (#7), but then I'll have to play with the arrangement to see if I want to add something else or repeat an earlier block variation. I'll be showing you my layout for these blocks soon.

The series looks at some classic blocks and exposes alternate colorings. My goal is to simply think about other ways to color a quilt block I have looked at hundreds of times. So far I've been making 3 of each block - 1 traditional coloring and 2 alternates. It's amazing how different they look! Soon, I'll put them together into a scrappy quilt. Find all the details here.

Join me on this laid back adventure if you like! Below you'll find a cutting list for the basic blocks in 12" and 16" finished blocks, but not a tutorial. Use the coloring sheet to generate your own ideas. I hope that you'll audition other color arrangements and play as I am. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Churn Dash (Traditional)
The Churn Dash block is a definite classic. This block combines the mainstay half-square triangle (HST) with a double rectangle block. The proportions of the block seem to change depending on the designer or the block dimensions, but fundamentally, it looks the same. The HSTs remain in the four corners with the length of the rectangles perhaps changing to suit what is needed. There are many ways to color this block. In fact, some of the other colorings have become known as completely separate blocks (like the Greek Cross - one of my favs). Pictured below is the most common way to make a Churn Dash.

Churn Dash Coloring Sheet Download the PDF here.

Block Structure

This block is constructed with (4) Half-Square Triangle units A/B. The "D" patches are equal rectangles in this example and the center square in the middle of the block is "C".

Cutting List. I have listed cuts for both 12" and 16" blocks.
Half Square Triangle Tutorial here.
Video HST Tutorial here.

For 12" blocks.

Cut (2) 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" squares. (A)
Cut (2) 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" squares. (B)
Cut (1) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" square. (C)
Cut (8) 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" squares. (D)

Note: square A/B HSTs up to 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" unfinished

For 16" blocks.

Cut (2) 6 1/4" x 6 1/4" squares. (A)
Cut (2) 6 1/4" x 6 1/4" squares. (B)
Cut (1) 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" square. (C)
Cut (8) 3" x 6 1/2" squares. (D)

Note: square A/B HSTs up to 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" unfinished

Alternate Coloring Options
I love recoloring this block. There are several ways to change it's look, and still the cutting list stays pretty simple. In this exercise, I simply am recoloring the block without changing it's basic construction. These are just a few of the options I found.