Busy Bee Quilts - Beginner's Block of the Month

Never quilted? Learn to make a quilt by making a new block each month with our Beginner's Block of the Month.

Block #4 - Double Monkey Wrench
12-1/2" unfinished

Our block this month features the Shoo Fly pattern...with a twist! You need to cut the following out of your dark and light fabrics.

one 4-1/2" square from light fabric
two 4-7/8" squares from light fabric for HSTs
two 4-7/8 squares from dark fabric for HSTs

You'll also need to cut some rectangles.

four 4-1/2" x 2-1/2" rectangles out of the light fabric.
four 4-1/2" x 2-1/2" rectangles out of the dark fabric.

To begin, sew a dark and a light rectangle together. Remember to use a 1/4" seam. Press seam towards the dark fabric. Repeat for all the other rectangles. Be sure to check that each block now measures 4-1/2" square. Trim if necessary. Next, make your HSTs. (See block #2 for directions.) You should have made 4. You're ready to lay out and sew your block.
First, lay out one HST with the dark side facing lower right. Then, lay out a rectangle with the dark fabric on the bottom. Finally, lay another HST with the dark side facing lower left. Sew each piece together with a 1/4" seam. Press towards the center block.
Your second row has a rectangle with the dark side facing right, your light square, then another rectangle with the dark side facing left. Sew all three pieces together and press towards the rectangle pieces.
The third row has a HST with the dark side facing upper right, the final rectangle with the dark side facing up, and your final HST with the dark side facing upper left. Sew these together and press towards the middle rectangle.
Finally, sew your three rows together. Remember to match your seams and press flat. Measure and trim to 12-1/2".
If you haven't invested in a speed square yet, now is the time! A speed square is a ruler like the acrylic one you have to cut your fabric, but it is a square. They are used to make sure something is...well...square. There are many makes available, but make sure you have a 12" one. Well, after making four blocks, you're well on your way to becoming a quilter!! Good for you!! Next month, we're getting leafy! Tune in to find out how! Until then...Happy quilting.