Fence Rail

This is a variation of the very easy nine-patch block. It reminded early quilt makers of the split rail fences that enclosed their fields. Today it adds movement to your quilt as colorful strips tumble across your block. It is simple to sew when you “strip piece” the squares.

It is extremely important that your seam allowance is a perfect ¼”. It is the secret to getting any quilt to fit together properly especially a Block of the Month Quilt where all the blocks are different. Use a ¼” piecing foot. OR

Mark the seam allowance on your machine by gently lowering your needle onto a ruler placed on the throat plate of your machine. Measure ¼” from the needle on your throat plate and mark it with a piece of masking tape. Your block should measure 12 ½” after it is sewn together. This will give you a “finished size” of 12” when the quilt top is sewn together.

**Refer to the fabric requirements and cutting instructions before beginning each block.

Sew the dark print strip to the light print strip along one long edge.

Sew the medium print strip to the other long edge of the light print strip.

Press the seam allowances in one direction as shown by arrows.

Cut the pieced strip into nine 4 ½” squares.

Arrange the squares alternating vertical strips with horizontal strips. Sew the squares together in three rows of three squares each.

Press the seams in the side rows toward the top. Press the seams in the center row toward the bottom. Pin and sew the rows together matching the seams between squares.