The monkey wrench quilt block is a nine-patch format using half square triangles, center square and strip sets, perfect for beginners! The layout an uneven nine patch since the center square and the center side strip sets are half the size of the corner squares. It generally has with two fabrics, but you could use a third color as the center square if you’d like.
This quilt block was first known when published in 1898 in the Ohio Farmer. It is a popular block for block exchanges and is referred to by many other names such as Alaska Homestead, Dragon’s Head, Double Wrench and Hole in the Barn.
It is a variation of the Churn Dash quilt block and perfect for quilters of all skill levels.
How is this quilt block different than the Churn Dash quilt block?
With the churn dash quilt block all of the components are the same size and are squares – the corner half square triangles, center square and side strip blocks.
With the monkey wrench quilt block, the corners are all half square triangles, the center square is one-fourth the size of the corner squares which makes the side strip blocks twice as long as wide. Here are side-by-side examples:
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Ready to make this quilt block? Here is how to lay out the fabrics:
And here is a fabric calculator for popular sizes for finished blocks. Use this as a cutting guide for your fabrics. You’ll use two fabrics to make this block.
If you plan to make a large quilt, check out our article on the different ways to make half square triangles! It’s super easy to make them eight (8) at a time!
How to Make the Monkey Wrench Quilt Block
Learn how to make the Monkey Wrench block with this step-by-step tutorial that uses half-square triangles, strip set blocks and a center square.
This is an uneven nine patch block and a variation of the churn dash quilt block. It's a quick block to put together.
Materials
- 1/4 yard each of two (2) fabrics
- Coordinating thread
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Quilter's ruler
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Removable fabric marking pen
- Iron
- Pressing surface
Instructions
- Start by cutting your fabrics according to the chart above. I made a 10-inch finished quilt block and cut the following: one (1) 2-1/2 inch square for the center, two (2) 4-7/8-inch squares from each color for the half square triangles for a total of four (4) 4-7/8 inch squares and one (1) 2-1/2 inch strip of fabric from each fabric, at least 16-inches long.
Let's make the half square triangles for our corner units first! Take your squares that are cut to 4-7/8 inch. On the back of the lighter fabric, draw a diagonal line with a removable fabric marker. Always test your marker first! I'm using a Frixion pen that is removed with heat.
- Here is the diagonal line.
- Layer the two colors for the half square triangles right sides together, with the one that has the diagonal line on top. Sew 1/4-inch from the line.
- Turn and sew 1/4-inch from the other side of the line. TIP: Chain sew the pieces to save time!
- Now, using your rotary cutter and quilter's ruler, cut along the marked line forming two half square triangles.
- Here are two half square triangles cut and ready to be pressed.
Press seams to your preference. Are you team press to one side? Or press open? Read our article about pressing seams for quilting. - Next, let's make our strip set blocks for the bar units. Sew the two (2) 2-1/2 inch strips right sides together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
Press the seam to your preference. - Using your quilters ruler and rotary cutter, cut them at 2-1/2 inches, making 2-1/2 X 4-1/2-inch rectangles. You'll need four (4) of these rectangles.
- You are ready to lay out your quilt block! Put the half square triangles in the corners, the strip set blocks between them and the solid square in the center.
- I like to sew the rows together first. Use 1/4-inch seam allowance for sewing the block together.
- Then, match the seams and sew the rows together forming the finished monkey wrench quilt block.
- Here are four blocks, showing you how it will look in a full quilt.
Recommended Products
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This is a great block for beginners with three simple components – strip sets, half square triangles and a center square made from two fabrics. When thinking about fabric selection, for the greatest impact, select light fabrics for either the foreground or background fabrics, and a darker fabric for the other. Have value contrast in the two fabrics.
Ideas for a monkey wrench quilt block pattern
- Make it scrappy! This is a perfect quilt pattern to use up your scraps! Instead of using two colors, use light and dark print fabrics for the components. Make half square triangles that are light and dark, and strip sets from light fabrics and darks. Pick one or the other for the center square and have some fun!
- This is a perfect block to make a baby quilt. The square block in the center can be fussy cut with a cute baby print instead of being a plain square.
- Use some of those fat quarters you’ve collected to change up the fabrics in this classic block.
Browse through more free quilt patterns on Create Whimsy.
Check out all of our quilting projects and inspiration for your next project!
