Friday, October 18, 2024

Double Monkey Wrench (AKA Churn Dash) Quilt Block

The double monkey wrench quilt block pattern is a classic quilt block also known as the churn dash block.

It features half square triangles and strip blocks surrounding a center square.

  
double monkey wrench quilt block


This is the third block we are making for our Halloween table runner.

We have already made the Greek cross quilt block and a variation of a sawtooth star block.


DOUBLE MONKEY WRENCH (AKA CHURN DASH) QUILT BLOCK

The double monkey wrench is a classic choice. It's takes the basic building blocks of quilting to create a unique block pattern.
↓ ↓ ↓ PIN IT ↓ ↓ ↓ 
 
double monkey wrench quilt block
↑ ↑ ↑ PIN IT ↑ ↑ ↑



This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclosure policy for details. 

FABRIC AND SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING

Below is the fabric I am using. It's just so stinking cute!

It is called Meow-gical Night by Michael Davis for Wilmington Prints. When I saw it, I just had to get it. 

 



Of course, you don't have to use this fabric.

The great thing about this table runner is that it is made using classic quilt blocks.

So it will look great with any type of fabric. It doesn't have to be Halloween themed.

So raid your stash and use what you have.



FABRIC NEEDED FOR A TABLE RUNNER PROJECT

If you are making the table runner with us, you will need the following fabric:
  • layer cake (I will have plenty leftover for other projects)
  • 3/4 yards black fabric
  • 3/4 yard backing fabric (with one seam to form back - or 1 1/3 yard if you don't want a seam.)
  • 3/4 yard batting 

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING

Below are some of my go-to quilting tools. I have found a half square triangle ruler to be so very helpful when quilting. And I utilize it while making this block. 

FABRIC MEASUREMENTS FOR A 9" DOUBLE MONKEY WRENCH

To make a nine inch double monkey wrench you will need:
  • 1) 5 3/4" squares in purple
  • 1) 5 3/4" square in cream with pumpkins
  • 1) 3 1/2" square in orange (fussy cut)
  • 2) 2" X 10" strip in purple
  • 2) 2" X 10" strip in cream with pumpkin
  
fabric needed for double monkey wrench quilt block

Want another size quilt block?

 I've calculated the measurements for a 6 inch and a 12 inch block too.

HOW TO MAKE A DOUBLE MONKEY WRENCH QUILT BLOCK

Let's get started making the double monkey wrench block.

If you learn better with video, you are in luck. I have a step-by-step tutorial where I walk you through the whole quilt block.

Note: All seams are sewn using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

MAKING THE STRIP PIECES

For these blocks we are using the strip piecing technique. Basically we are sewing together long strips of fabric and then cutting them to the correct size.

     Sew together a purple and cream  2" X 10" strip on the long edge.

collage of strips of fabric being sewn together

Repeat with remaining strips of fabric.

 
strips of fabric sewn together

Press the strips open.
 
strip blocks

Cut the strip sets into 4) 3 1/2 inch sections.

MAKING THE HALF SQUARE TRIANGLES

Now let's make the half square triangles. Also known as HST's.  

These will be the corner units of our block.


We are using the 4-at-a-time HST method.

Select the two 5 3/4 inch squares.
  
two squares of fabric

With right sides together, sew all the way around the perimeter of the squares using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

cutting half square triangles

 
Cut the block in a diagonal line from corner to corner. Do this in both directions.

Using a Triangle Square Up Ruler, trim to 3 1/2" square.

  
half square triangles



Press open and trim tails.

ASSEMBLING THE DOUBLE MONKEY WRENCH

Let's lay out our pieces now.

  
fabric arranged to make a double monkey wrench block

To create the double monkey wrench (or churn dash block), place the 3 1/2 inch square in the center.

Add the strip blocks to each side, with the cream facing inward.

Add a HST to each corner with the cream facing inward.

  
rows sewn together for double monkey wrench


Sew together each row. 

Press towards the triangles on top and bottom. And press towards the middle on the middle row.

  
double monkey wrench quilt block (aka churn dash block)



Sew together each row. Nest the seams together as you go to create perfect points and a flat block.

That is the finished monkey wrench quilt block. I just love this classic block!



We've got just one quilt block left for our table runner. And then we will put it all together.
  • Uneven 9-Patch
  • Halloween Table Runner Tutorial

Want to watch the video?  ↓↓Click the link ↓↓

MORE QUILT BLOCK TUTORIALS

MORE QUILT PATTERNS

Don't forget to pin it!!

 
double monkey wrench quilt block with text overlay

double monkey wrench quilt block with text overlay

No comments :

Post a Comment