Monkey Wrench Quilt Block Instructions
You'll use the easy sandwich method to make four half-square triangle units (HST) for each block. Read the HST tutorial before you begin, to determine if you would like to make units larger than required, and then cut back to the exact size.
You'll also construct four strip pieced units with double bars that are sewn between HSTs (sizes for piece-by-piece assembly are also included).
- Cut two 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares from one of your bright-warm squares and two dark brown squares of the same size. Pair contrasting squares and use the easy sandwich method to sew them together to make four HSTs. When complete, each HST should measure exactly 2-1/2" x 2-1/2".
- Cut two 1-1/2" x 10-1/2" strips of fabric, one from the same bright-warm and the other from your dark brown. Sew together lengthwise and press seam allowance towards the dark fabric. (alternate: cut (4) 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" rectangles from each and sew together in contrasting pairs)
- Square up one end of the strip set and then cut (4) 2-1/2" long segments from it.
- Cut a 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" square from brown fabric, for center of quilt block (cut multiples squares from 2-1/2" wide strips cut from selvage to selvage - How to Cut Patchwork Shapes).
- Arrange components into three rows as shown, lower left of illustration. Sew components in each row together. Press seam allowances towards the bar units.
- Join rows, butting seam intersections for a good match. Press. The Monkey Wrench quilt block should measure 6-1/2" x 6-1/2". If it's a bit off, refer to my article that explains how to square up quilt blocks.
- Make a total of 20 Monkey Wrench quilt blocks.
