Traditional pattern, public domain. Documented in quilting literature from the 1850s onward.
A variation of the Churn Dash block family featuring a strong central cross with triangular 'jaws' extending from the corners. The block creates an interlocking wrench-like pattern when set together.
The Monkey Wrench pattern dates to the mid-1800s and is closely related to the Churn Dash and Hole in the Barn Door blocks. Named for the common adjustable wrench tool, it was part of the everyday vernacular that quilters used to name their blocks after familiar household and farm implements.
Tool-named blocks were common in rural American quilting, reflecting the agricultural lifestyle. The Monkey Wrench has also been connected to Underground Railroad quilt lore — some oral traditions suggest it was a signal to gather tools for the journey north, though historians debate the veracity of these claims.
Also known as: Snail's Trail (in some regions), Indiana Puzzle, Love Knot
finished Block Size
12 inches
seam Allowance
1/4 inch
grid Basis
3x3 grid (each unit 4 inches finished)
units Required
4 half-square triangle units, 4 rectangles, 1 center square
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Dark | 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 inches | 2 | Cut once diagonally for corner HSTs |
| A | Background | 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 inches | 2 | Cut once diagonally for corner HSTs |
| B | Dark | 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 4 | Side rectangles |
| B | Background | 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 4 | Side rectangles |
| C | Medium | 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 1 | Center square |
Pair each dark 4 7/8 inch triangle with a background triangle along the long diagonal edge. Sew with a 1/4 inch seam. Press toward the dark fabric and trim to 4 1/2 inches square. Make 4 HST units.
Tip: Use the two-at-a-time method: layer two 4 7/8 inch squares right sides together, sew 1/4 inch from both sides of the diagonal, and cut apart for 2 HSTs per pair.
Sew one dark 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch rectangle to one background 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch rectangle along the long edge. Press toward the dark. The unit should measure 4 1/2 inches square. Make 4 rectangle units.
Lay out in a 3x3 grid. Place HST units in all four corners with dark triangles pointing toward the center. Place rectangle units on all four sides (top, bottom, left, right) with the dark half oriented consistently to form the wrench shape. Place the center square in the middle.
Sew each row of three units together. Press Row 1 and Row 3 seams toward the rectangle units. Press Row 2 seams toward the center square.
Join the three rows, nesting seams at intersections. Sew with 1/4 inch seams and press row-joining seams toward the center row. Block should measure 12 1/2 inches square.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Straight set with narrow sashing — 5x5 blocks for a 68 x 68 inch square quilt
Alternating with Churn Dash blocks for a tool-themed sampler
On-point setting with setting triangles for a medallion-style quilt