Wrench is a traditional block pattern fashioned from right triangles and squares. Its basic shapes and simple piecing are typical of older patterns, and it works equally well with scrap or new fabrics. Wrench is typically created with white fabric and a print. The block works just as well with another color solid, especially when it echoes values from the print.

How big is it?

This is a 10-inch block.

Construction instructions

Wrench blocks can be broken down into two equally-sized rows with a thinner middle strip between the two. Working up a block is a simple matter of cutting, assembling square and oblong units, and then piecing the rows.

Cutting fabric : Instructions for rotary cutting include seam allowances.

Cut five right triangles from a 4 7/8-inch strip of fabric A. Cut four right triangles from a 4 7/8-inch strip of fabric B. Cut four squares from a 2 1/2-inch strip of fabric A. Cut five squares from a 2 1/2-inch strip of fabric B.

Assembling units - Use a quarter-inch seam for all stitching.

Gather all the right triangles. Place one fabric A triangle over a fabric B triangle with the right sides together. Stitch to form a triangle-pair square and press. Repeat to create four triangle-pair squares. Gather all fabric A and B squares. Place one fabric A square over a fabric B square with the right sides together. Stitch and press to form an oblong. Repeat to create four oblongs. NOTE : One fabric B square should be left over.

Assembling the block - When piecing your rows, note that rows 1 and 3 are mirror opposites. Be sure to check positioning before stitching.

Gather two triangle-pair square and one oblong. Place one triangle-pair square over the oblong following the positioning in the graphic. Stitch in place, and repeat with another triangle-pair square on the other side of the oblong to form one row. Repeat to form a second row. Gather two oblongs and the fabric B square. Place one oblong over the square, right sides together, following the postioning in the graphic. Stitch in place. Repeat with the second oblong on the other side. Press all the seams. Follow the graphic to duplicate positioning of the rows. Place row 1 over row 2, aligning the seams, and stitch in place. Place row 3 over row 2, aligning the seams, and stitch in place. Press all seams.

What can I do with it?

Sashing also works well in setting off blocks of different colors or fabrics. To showcase individual blocks constructed from different fabrics, use a white or neutral colored sashing. Coordinating squares created from the same fabric in the blocks is used as corner squares in the sashing to complete the effect in this example layout.

More to consider

Wrench blocks also work well in layouts without sashing. In this example, the blocks are used as a frame around a center motif of dusty purple Wrench blocks and solid blocks in white and deep purple. A coordinating border is added to complete the dramatic effect.

Related : More Free Block Patterns