Quilt Pattern: Monkey Wrench

This stunning quilt is one of the best examples of how an exceedingly simple block may be set together into an intricate pattern. Pieced blocks of squares and triangles cut from the given patterns and pieced as shown, alternate with 10-inch plain blocks, dark in one row and light in another. It really isn't hard to do, although each "monkey wrench" must be turned at a certain angle, one way in the row with large light squares and a turn further around in the next row with dark alternate squares.

Make cardboard cutting patterns of the four patterns here given. Mark around each with a lead pencil and cut a seam larger, sewing back to the pencil lines.

Material Estimate: All blocks must be pieced exactly alike so they stack with light on light and dark on dark. A block that "unwinds" backwards ruins the all-over pattern. The Monkey Wrench blocks finish 10 inches square. A top 70 by 80 inches plus a 2-inch border of each of the two colors, brings the size to 78 by 88 inches. You will need about 4 1/2 yards of each color material for this size.

A Snowflakes design, Horn of Plenty, or Four Flowers would be right for quilting on the plain blocks.