2018 Churn Dash Tutorial

Hello 2018 Swappers!  Long Post - Read then READ again.

Wow - Sign ups closed in a matter of hours.  I gave up my spot on the repro list and added spots to accommodate as many as possible.  There is a waitlist.  For those who missed the sign up, feel free to use this tutorial to play along at home or with a sewing group.

This is the basic Churn Dash Block we're swapping.  

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Swap Colors:  Please adhere to the color themes.

Repro Group - Civil War Prints (med/dark) with natural (off white) muslin.

Modern Group - Jewel Toned Solids with Low Volume Prints.

 Jewel Tone means no muddy colors - bright and pretty.

Here are some more examples of low volume prints.  No grey backgrounds please - we used that for the bow ties of 2014.

Please use only good quality, clean fabric. 

The Blocks finish at  6"  -   6 1/2" unfinished.

Start with a clean machine, good fine thread, a sharp needle and use your very best sewing skills.

***Make 1 block to test your size and adjust needle or seam allowance as needed to achieve a 6 1/2" unfinished block.***

For each block you will need:  (measurements are unfinished)
4 - 2 1/2" half square triangles
4 - 2 1/2" strip sets made with 2 1 1/2" strips
1 - 2 1/2" center square.

I like to use Triangles on a Roll because there is no trimming and they are accurate.  You can use your favorite method but you must achieve a 2 1/2" unfinished HST.

CAUTION - USE 2" FINISHED BLOCK SIZE PAPER.

Pin with flat pins, sew in the direction shown on the paper, shorten your stitch length for easy paper removal.  You can purchase this at your LQS or on line.

Check to make sure your HST is 2 1/2"

PRESS TOWARD THE DARK SIDE AND CLIP DOG EARS.

Make strip sets with  1 1/2" strips.

 PRESS TOWARD THE DARK STRIP.

 Cut to 2 1/2"

Cut 2 1/2" center squares:

Layout your block

Sew together into 3 horizontal sections and PRESS LIKE THIS:  Ooops - there is a pressing error here !!  yikes.  don't do it like this.

Sew sections together and PRESS LAST SEAM OPEN ACCORDING TO THIS PHOTO - DON'T SKIP THIS!

Viola!  Please check your size NOW.  You have to be with 1/8" of 6 1/2" unfinished.

NUMBER OF BLOCKS TO MAKE

**Important**
After working on the blocks yesterday, I decided we would be swapping 1 full set and 1 half set.  These are 6" blocks and take more time than previous swap blocks.  Here are the numbers:

Repro: 
Make 1 full set of 44 in one color combination.
Make 1 half set of 22 in another color combination.

Modern:
Make 1 full set of 36 in one color combination.
Make 1/2 set of 18 in another color combination.

If you are using FQs or smaller pieces you can use more than 4 fabrics total, but you can not make more that 1 full set the same.

Okay, please go to the top and read again, especially before you email me questions that I have already answered.

Important Facts:
Block Size:  6" finished (6 1/2" unfinished - no trimming!)
Repro Blocks to Make:    66
Modern Blocks to Make: 54
Mailing Deadline:  March 1st - NO EXCEPTIONS 

Please use the hashtag #fwb2018blockswap on your blog, Facebook and Instagram.

On Your Marks, Get Set - SEW!

xo