The Humble Rail Fence Quilt

The Rail Fence is not just for beginner's, it's fast, it's versatile, and it looks great in scraps. You can choose any number of rails and the strip width to give you the size block you want or even use your strings which is another version on my to do list.

Hi, I'm Mary Johnson and I blog and quilt over at Mary Quilts - Making Scrap Quilts from Stash. As today's guest blogger I'd like to share some of my Rail Fence quilts and a brief tutorial... brief because they're so simple to make there's not much you need to know before heading to your stash to whip one up yourself.

For me strip size is often dictated by leftover strips from another project. Rail Fence quilts are perfect leftover projects and because I make scrap quilts, I rarely pull all those fabrics out for just one quilt.

Here's a two rail fence made with leftover 2.5 inch strips. Even though the colors of the rails are controlled...green, black, and white... many fabrics were used.

Two Rail Fence Instructions

Here's another variation. Three rails, with a larger middle rail. A little more controlled with a single brown fabric but lots of greens. The middle rail would be great for fabrics you want to showcase, perhaps an I Spy quilt for a child.

Forest Bricks Instructions

How about a three rail fence dressed up with some stars? These rails are 2.5 inches and in these colors it makes an excellent Quilt of Valor.

Patriotic Rail Fence Instructions

Or this very scrappy three rail fence with leaves scattered throughout. Again, three rails but this time using 2 inch strips. See what I mean about lots of variations?

Autumn Leaves Instructions

I've even made a wonky version as another Quilt of Valor

Wonky RWB Rails Instructions

So now that you've seen some of my previous Rail Fence quilts, let's make a quick gift or donation top. This quilt will measure 45x60 inches and be set 6 x 8 blocks.

I just finished another kiddie quilt in green and purple so while I have those fabrics out I'll make a five rail fence using 2 inch strips. That will give me a 7.5 inch finished block.

Step one cut a bunch of 2 inch strips - I use everything from short strips that will make one block to WOF strips that will make five blocks.

We're going to sew strip sets alternating three purples and two greens, starting and ending with a purple.

Now we'll sub cut those into 8 inch blocks but first measure the width of your strip sets...if you're like me, yours may not measure exactly 8 inches. This is a good time to adjust the size of your blocks to your measurement so the blocks will go together easily and not need trimming or squaring up.

I pressed all my seams to the purple but since you'll be alternating the direction of the blocks there won't be seams to match up until you're sewing the blocks into rows. Throw the blocks up on the design wall, alternating the direction of the rails every other block starting with a block with the rails in the vertical position.

Once your blocks are arranged like you want them, assemble the top, add some allover quilting and you'll have a quick gift or donation quilt from stash!

How easy is that? Click on the links under each of the quilts to go to the page on my website with brief instructions. To see my latest Rail Fence idea check this blog post.


Thank you for having me as a guest today, I enjoyed sharing with you. Hope to see you again!