Churn Dash and Greek Cross Blocks

I just finished a quilt using two very traditional blocks; the Churn Dash and the Greek Cross:

The two blocks, though they look quite different, complement each other well. One of the reasons for this may be because they are the very same block!



To make this block in the size I did, you will need two 5" squares in a light print, and two 5" squares in a dark print for the half square triangles (HSTs) [If you make them as I did here]:  Half Square Triangles

You will need one 2.5" x 18" strip (a little longer than 18"to be on the safe side) of the darker fabric and the same of the lighter fabric.

Your center will be a 4.5" square.




Make 4 HSTs with the 5" squares.

Sew your 18" strips together along the long side. Press the seam toward the darker fabric, then subcut your strip into 4.5" pieces.

Cut your 4.5" square.

Here are the components of your block:

Because of the way I stacked these, it is hard to see that the center group of squares are made up of two rectangles. Look at the picture below to see them more clearly.

The color placement of these components will determine whether you are making a Churn Dash block or a Greek Cross block.

The Churn Dash:

The Greek Cross:

Note that the the only difference between these two blocks is the color placement of the HSTs.



Sew your squares together in rows: top, middle, bottom. A bit hard to see, but press your top and bottom row seams towards the center block and your center row seams away from the center, so your seams will nest and will meet neatly when you sew the rows together into your block.

Sew the rows together to make a nine patch block.



Here are the two blocks side by side: the red/cream is the Churn Dash and the blue/cream is the Greek Cross.

Two blocks that look very different, but they are made of exactly the same components!