Sampler Quilt Session 1
Rail Fence Block …
Rail fence quilts are created by combining strips of fabric, which are cut to size to make quilt
blocks that are then pieced together in a number of ways to create an overall pattern
1. For our sampler quilt, Rail Fence requires four fabrics cut 1 1/2 inches wide from
across the 44 inch widths of the chosen fabrics
2. Sew the four fabrics lengthwise joining the strips using a ¼” seam allowance and then
press all the seams one way
3. The four strips will now measure 4.5 inches across the width x 44 inches. The
combined strip should then be cut into nine 4 ½” squares
4. Sew the squares together into rows of three as illustrated in the 3 rows of the outline
picture.
5. Join together the 3 rows to form a larger 12 ½ inch block (including the seam
allowance), matching the seams where necessary.
Bear in mind that the two colours on the outside are the two that make the rail fence - this
also applies when you use even more colours
It is important to consider your shading and which patterns/colours that you want to show up
as the rail fence. It may be that you will shade your strips dark to light and then the darkest
and lightest fabrics make up the fence which your eye can follow through the patchwork.
v See how the darkest and the lightest strips make up the fence of our nine patch block
Row 1
Row 2
Row 3
Penwortham Patchers
Rail Fence.docx
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