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. 🙂
Sewing patterns for beginners need to be easy to understand, require few supplies, and provide practice for foundational sewing skills. Here are 21 free sewing patterns for beginners that meet those requirements. Learn a few new techniques in short practice…
Last year I made my kids new outfits for the 4th of July. I was just sorting through my photos and I found these. They look so spiffy I thought I’d share. Especially since I have no time to attempt patriotic duds this year.
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. 🙂