Quilt block · Logs and strips · First quilt
Rail Fence quilt block
Three strips sewn side by side; turned in turn across a quilt, they make a zigzag fence. Also called Roman Square.
What to cut for one block
A 6″ finished block measures 6½″ before it’s sewn into a quilt. Each fabric’s yardage is the least that cuts its strips across the width of fabric, with a strip to spare for straightening.
Dark · Navy in the picture
1 strip
- A1 rectangle 6½″ × 2½″
Medium · Denim in the picture
1 strip
- A1 rectangle 6½″ × 2½″
Light · Powder Blue in the picture
1 strip
- A1 rectangle 6½″ × 2½″
Worked out by @quarterinch/cutting · ¼″ seams included · strips cut across 42″ of usable width · the letters are the pieces the sewing steps name
A 9″ finished block measures 9½″ before it’s sewn into a quilt. Each fabric’s yardage is the least that cuts its strips across the width of fabric, with a strip to spare for straightening.
Dark · Navy in the picture
1 strip
- A1 rectangle 9½″ × 3½″
Medium · Denim in the picture
1 strip
- A1 rectangle 9½″ × 3½″
Light · Powder Blue in the picture
1 strip
- A1 rectangle 9½″ × 3½″
Worked out by @quarterinch/cutting · ¼″ seams included · strips cut across 42″ of usable width · the letters are the pieces the sewing steps name
A 12″ finished block measures 12½″ before it’s sewn into a quilt. Each fabric’s yardage is the least that cuts its strips across the width of fabric, with a strip to spare for straightening.
Dark · Navy in the picture
1 strip
- A1 rectangle 12½″ × 4½″
Medium · Denim in the picture
1 strip
- A1 rectangle 12½″ × 4½″
Light · Powder Blue in the picture
1 strip
- A1 rectangle 12½″ × 4½″
Worked out by @quarterinch/cutting · ¼″ seams included · strips cut across 42″ of usable width · the letters are the pieces the sewing steps name
How it’s sewn
For the 6″ block. Choose another size above and these steps follow it.
- Make 1 rail unit
Sew the Dark A and Medium A and Light A rectangles together along their long edges. Press toward the Dark. Each measures 6½″ (6″ finished).
For the 9″ block. Choose another size above and these steps follow it.
- Make 1 rail unit
Sew the Dark A and Medium A and Light A rectangles together along their long edges. Press toward the Dark. Each measures 9½″ (9″ finished).
For the 12″ block. Choose another size above and these steps follow it.
- Make 1 rail unit
Sew the Dark A and Medium A and Light A rectangles together along their long edges. Press toward the Dark. Each measures 12½″ (12″ finished).
Blocks like it
Interlocked SquaresLogs and strips
WampumLogs and strips
Half Log CabinLogs and strips
WoodboxLogs and strips
More like this: Log Cabin and strip quilt blocks · all quilt blocks
Questions
Short answers.
Something else? A real person replies.
hello@quarterinch.app
Is Rail Fence the same block as Roman Square?
Usually, yes. Block names vary by region and by book, and the same block is often sold under several. Our library lists Roman Square as other name for this one, so a search for any of them finds it.
What size should I make it?
Its 3 × 3 grid lands on the ⅛″ marks at 6″, 9″ and 12″, so every piece measures with a ruler at all three. It also cuts cleanly at 15″ and 18″. In Quarter Inch you can make it any size, and it says when a cut falls between the lines.
Can I paper piece it?
Yes. It sews on one paper, its pieces added in order. In Quarter Inch, the Foundations tab prints its papers at true size (with Quilter).
Is it a good block for a beginner?
It’s a first-quilt block: 3 pieces in 1 shape. Nothing in it curves or has to be set in. We work the level out from the block’s own geometry, never by eye.