Stitchtale

Rail Fence Unit with Three Two-Cloth Rails quilt block

A classic block that sews up in an afternoon and looks right in almost any fabric.

Start to finishWatch the Rail Fence Unit with Three Two-Cloth Rails sew up, cut to press.

Try it in your colours

Tap a colourway, or pick each fabric. The film at the top changes too.

Colourways

Or pick each fabric

Love it? Find real fabric in these colours at the fabric shop.

Cut sizes for one Rail Fence Unit with Three Two-Cloth Rails block

Pick the finished size. Every cut includes the ¼″ seam allowance.

Cutting for one 6″ finished Rail Fence Unit with Three Two-Cloth Rails block
PieceCutQty
Background rectanglebackground fabric2½″ × 6½″2
Point rectanglemain fabric2½″ × 6½″1
Cutting for one 9″ finished Rail Fence Unit with Three Two-Cloth Rails block
PieceCutQty
Background rectanglebackground fabric3½″ × 9½″2
Point rectanglemain fabric3½″ × 9½″1
Cutting for one 12″ finished Rail Fence Unit with Three Two-Cloth Rails block
PieceCutQty
Background rectanglebackground fabric4½″ × 12½″2
Point rectanglemain fabric4½″ × 12½″1

Good to know

What size should I make a Rail Fence Unit with Three Two-Cloth Rails block?

Any size that suits your quilt. 12″ is the easiest to sew, and 9″ or 6″ look lovely in a busy, scrappy quilt. It sits on a 3 by 3 grid, so a finished size that divides by 3 gives you friendly cutting numbers. The cut sizes for all three are on this page.

How many Rail Fence Unit with Three Two-Cloth Rails blocks do I need for a quilt?

At 12″ you need 9 blocks for a wall quilt, 12 for a baby quilt, 30 for a throw, 48 for a twin quilt and 72 for a queen quilt. Sashing or a border between them means fewer blocks for the same size.

Is the Rail Fence Unit with Three Two-Cloth Rails good for a beginner?

Yes. It's all rectangles, so it makes a lovely first block. Keep your ¼″ seam steady and the corners will meet.

What's the trick to a neat Rail Fence Unit with Three Two-Cloth Rails?

Sew a test Rail Fence Unit with Three Two-Cloth Rails first and measure it. If it comes out the right size, the rest will too.