Each month beginning February 2021, I will provide the instructions for one quilt block that was used in the underground railroad quilt code. These blocks aided slaves on their path to freedom. Quilts were often hung outside to air out on porches or windows and were visible to those looking to escape, without alerting the master/mistress of the plantation. The first quilt to be displayed was the monkey wrench a/k/a churn dash. This pattern signaled the slaves to begin their escape preparations by collecting the tools they would need on their journey north. These tools may have included items to construct a shelter, a compass, a knife, coins or food.
At the end of 12 months, you will have completed enough blocks to assemble into your own underground railroad quilt.
