Busy Bee Quilts - Beginner's Block of the Month

Never quilted? Learn to make a quilt by making a new block each month with our Beginner's Block of the Month.

Block #10 - Rail Fence
12½" unfinished

Many people are taught this block when making their first quilt. Although it appears to be very easy, it does have the possibility of some crazy seams if you aren't careful with your pressing. There are several ways to make this block, so I'll give you the basic beginner then let you in on a few speedup secrets at the end.

You'll need 3 colors of fabric...light, medium, and dark. Out of EACH fabric, you need to cut:

Four - 6½" x 2½" rectangles.

Now sew the light fabric to the medium fabric, then sew the dark fabric to the medium fabric.

If you want, you can move the colors around to make a different combination. What ever you decide to do, just make sure all four blocks are made the same. Press all of the seams in the same direction on each square. Be careful so you don't 'warp' the seams when you press them.

Now, lay out your squares as follows:

		You'll notice that the top right and the bottom left squares have been turned ¼ of the way around. Since each turn will result in a different pattern, feel free to experiment until you get the look you like best. Sew your squares together to make the block. Make sure you square up your finished block to measure 12½".

Now, for some shortcut tips. When cutting your fabrics, you can place all 3 colors on top of one another and cut them all at the same time. Another speed up trick that some quilters use is to cut each of the fabrics into 2½" strips, then sew all of the strips together and press. You can then just cut the strips into the size of block you need. Whatever method you use, just be sure to press your seams carefully. If you're itching for something else to do, this block makes a great baby quilt!

Next month, we'll again be working with rectangles and I think you'll be surprised what you can make with a few strips of fabric. Until then...happy quilting.