Hen & Chicks Block 22 - Grecian Block

 

This is really just a churn dash block with an alternate color arrangement.  It gives a completely different effect though, so I am including it as a separate block. 

Use the cutting chart provided for the size of block you want to make. I continue to make a block in the 3 inch and 6 inch size each month. I am seriously tempted to come back for the 5 inch blocks at a later date. 

Please use your preferred method for the HST units. I can't use my easy angle ruler enough, but I have provided cutting instructions if you are using the two at a time square method. As long as you have 4 HST units along with two long strips, then you are good to go. For the larger block sizes, feel free to use multiple shorter strips to get to the necessary length. I was cutting up tiny scraps and had to use two each of the strips, even for the 6 inch block. 

Sew two strips together and press toward the blue. 

Sub cut this strip set into squares that are the same size as your background center square. 

Now it is just a matter of arranging the nine patch so that the HST units are the same as they would be for a churn dash or shoofly, but the dark rectangles are on the outside edges of the block.  Such a simple swap to make a completely different block!

Sew as you would any nine patch and press the seams away from the HST units. This helps reduce bulk under the points which will help the block lie flat.