The Rail Fence Quilt block is a very beginner friendly block, yet appeals to the seasoned quilter as well. You can decide the width of your strips, and how many strips you want in the block. This block gives you a lot of practice in sewing a ¼” seam, if that’s what you’re needing. Follow along and let me show you how to make the Rail Fence block!
After learning how to make a rail fence block, try using it in this unique design of a tote bag. Click on the picture above to purchase the digital pattern only.
A Few Things Before We Start
Picking out fabric is always the hardest step for me. I used fat quarters, and depending on the size of your block, scraps would work just fine. That would give a “String Block” look. Check out my String Block blogs.
The String Quilt Block With A Path
I have seen blocks that use “ombre” colors. They use one color, and the strips go from dark to light. Very pretty. Here’s an example of “ombre” in teal.
There is math to be done here as you figure out what size block you want and then what size the strips must be to achieve that size. You could, however, determine what width you want the strips, sew together the number of strips you want, and then see what size block you end up with. The width of the strip unit is the size you will cut your blocks. The choice is up to you!
Let’s Get Started
When looking at this block you may think that each strip must be cut by the width and the length. It can, but it doesn’t have to be. We are using a technique called “Stripping”. I learned this from a lady called Eleanor Burns. She is known for her stripping. Haha.
This technique takes long strips of fabric and sews each one to the side of the last.
Determine the width of your strips and cut them out WOF(width of fabric). If you are using yardage this makes them around 42” long by whatever width you choose.
Lay out the strips side by side and get them in an order you like.
Take the first two strips and place them RST (right sides together). Sew a ¼” down the length of the fabric strips. Take the next strip and place it RST on the last strip and sew down the length of the strips. Continue until you have all the fabric strips sewn together.
I like to sew mine in groups of two, then sew the “twos” together!
Time to press. Press gently pushing the seam allowances to one side.
Ready To Cut
Measure the width of the strip unit and that is the size you want to cut your blocks. Mine measured 4 1/2″ so I cut down the strip unit 4 1/2″ to make 4 1/2″ blocks.
That is all there is to making a Rail Fence Block!
Now try this unique pattern I call a Rail Fence Block Long Bag. Digital Download Only.
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Always Find Time To Sew,
