Are you ready for an easy quilt block? The Rail Fence may be the easiest quilt block ever, but it’s not boring! Put a bunch together and there are so many fun variations.
In case you are catching this blog series for the first time, we’re making gorgeous quilt blocks using the classic patterns and easy photo tutorials. See lots more on my Easy Quilt Block Pinterest Board.
Just so you won’t think this block is boring, I played around with a bunch of blocks on my design wall and took pictures of a few different quilt variations. There are so many different ways to put them together. And mine are scrappy – I stitched strips together randomly and didn’t plan for my blocks to be the same or have any sort of pattern.
If you want your blocks to be all the same or if you have a pattern in mind, there are so many other quilts you could make.
This easy tutorial includes cutting instructions for a 10” block (what I made) and a 12” block.
Cutting instructions for a 10” block:
With at least 3 different fabrics – cut 3 7/8” strips
Cutting instructions for a 12” block:
With at least 3 different fabrics – cut 4 1/2” strips
I was using fat quarters, so my strips are only 22” long. If you have yardage, you can use longer strips and make more blocks at once.
Sew your strips together.
Press the seams open or to the side according to preference, and then cut into your desired size blocks.
For 10” blocks (finished), cut 10 1/2” squares
For 12” blocks (finished), cut 12 1/2” squares
I know, that’s just too easy. But this simple block looks so fabulous in the modern Blend fabrics that I couldn’t help cutting up all my fat quarters to see how many blocks I could make and how they might go together.
Sew an organizer covered with pockets that you can hang in your closet! This easy sewing project is great for organizing sewing and craft supplies, fashion accessories, bathroom necessities, gift wrappings, and more. There are pockets on both sides plus a big interior pocket so every bit of space is used. I’ll show you easy step by step instructions for sewing this organizer and putting it to use in your home. Get sew organized today.
Are you sewing a Closet Organizer with me? I hope so! This is Part 2 of our free sewing tutorial for an amazing organizer with a coat hanger inside so you can hang it anywhere.
If you are getting started, make sure you start at Part 1 of the free pattern.
Be a basketmaker! Sure, you can sew, but did you know that you can make amazing baskets too using your sewing machine, some fabric and the same materials that you use for your other projects?
Have you fallen in love with Quilt as You Go yet? It’s a fun technique for quilts, of course, but I’m having lots of fun using it for pouches and tote bags too.
I’m so excited to share with you the pattern for our first mini quilt of 2018… Flora! This beautiful little quilt was designed by the very talented Lauren of Molly & Mama…
At my daughter Chloe’s high school (can you believe my baby started high school???), the lunch lines are so long that she has been skipping lunch! She’s always starving by the time she gets home because she doesn’t want to carry a big lunch bag as well as her heavy backpack – poor girl!
Looking for free table runner patterns? I gathered up all my favorites in one place – here are free quilt patterns for table runners for fall, winter, spring and summer!
I am so in love with the beautiful look of simple patchwork quilts with lots of squares. This is the perfect way to use up fabric scraps like I did, or you can make a beautifully coordinated quilt with pre-cut 2 1/2’’ square fabric pieces that come in mini-charm packs.
I’m also in love with the process. If you feel like quilt making is your escape from the world and sitting down to sew for a few hours makes your troubles fade away… this is the quilt for you!
Sew an easy beautiful apron with this free sewing pattern that only uses one yard of fabric! Whether you are sewing for yourself or for a friend, an apron always comes in handy and makes a great gift. This blog post includes a link to a free template that I digitized for you.
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂
Eek! Don’t you just love everything that Heidi over at Fabric Mutt sews? I have been a fan of hers for so, so long! So I was super happy when she agreed to design a mini quilt for us and our SewCanShe Monthly Mini Quilts series. I gave her free rein to design anything she wanted because I didn’t want to get in the way of her creativity… and look at the adorable Candygram quilt she designed!
This roll up organizer would be so handy in my bathroom and so easy to sew from a free sewing tutorial! I think I need to make one for each person in our family because it’s perfect for travel too. The layers of pockets are cute and genius to help keep brushes, cosmetics, and other essentials organized.
Patchwork is such an appealing and fun technique. You can make so many sewing projects from patchwork. It’s a great way to use up scraps (frugal!) and is visually interesting and seasonless. If you’re looking for free printable patterns for patchwork projects to sew I have compiled 18 below. Stitching up patchwork quilt blocks, bags, curtains, coasters, potholders, skirts, pillows and more is as easy as printing the pdf in my easy tutorials.
This table topper looks like you spent a lot of time on it, but really you can finish it in a snap because the hexagons are applique. English paper piecing is beautiful and I do that too… but I love to find ‘cheater’ projects when time is short.
Learn how to sew the most adorable plush cat plush dolls! When I came across ragdoll fabric panels from South Korean artist Jae Sun, I had to make a whole litter of plush cats. This easy sewing project is perfect…
I’ve just bought a fabulous fat quarter bundle that I’m wanting to use and I’ve decided to make my FIRST quilt using this pattern! Now I just have to wait for them to come in the mail. 🙂
Love the versatility of this block!
I love the quilts I see on Pinterest made with this simple block. I can’t wait to give it a try.
Melissa
Can I use 2.5" strips for this?? Bought what I thought was a jelly roll, but it’s only 5 designs and 4 strips of each (20 strips in total)
Hi Trine!
2.5” strips will work great to make 6” (finished) blocks. Sew three strips together and then cut them into 6.5” squares.
Have fun!
Caroline
I’ve just bought a fabulous fat quarter bundle that I’m wanting to use and I’ve decided to make my FIRST quilt using this pattern! Now I just have to wait for them to come in the mail. 🙂
What are the measurements when finished?