What is an Asymmetrical Rail Fence Quilt Block
Traditional Transitions to a Modern Look
How many ways can you make a rail fence quilt? Anyone who has made a rail fence quilt block knows there are countless variations to this traditional pattern. What once began as a block with three equal strips has come a long way in the past 100+ years! To mix it up even more, here’s an unexpected twist with an asymmetrical rail fence quilt block.
Traditional quilting was a utilitarian method of upcycling old clothes. Wow, have we come a long way from those early days. The conventional method of lining up evenly made blocks isn’t exactly the norm anymore either. Once you take the first step outside the block, your quilting will never be the same. If you haven’t sewn any asymmetrical quilt blocks yet, this is a perfect place to start.
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Make Asymmetrical Rail Fence Quilt Blocks with Charm Squares
This asymmetrical rail fence quilt block begins with your favorite collection of charm squares. The simple variation is to cut two charm squares in half and resew them into blocks mixing up the fabrics. BUT, the finished block isn’t an exact square. Therefore, it won’t sew together easily into a quilt top without some modifications. What to do to solve this dilemma?
Note how the turquoise rails travel diagonally.
First, sew three half-charm squares together into a rectangle. This creates a rail fence style block. It still won’t sew together easily as a rectangle, but we can fix that very easily. The simple solution is to add a single strip along one side to create a perfect square. Actually, a perfect asymmetrical square. The extra strip along one side distorts the block’s symmetry yet adds the perfect opportunity for a striking rail fence quilt.
Quilting Bold and Outside the Block
Mix it Up with an Asymmetrical Rail Fence Quilt!
If you know my quilting, you probably realize two things about me. First, I love mixing up lots of bright fabrics to make a bold statement. Secondly, the more disproportionate I can make my blocks the better. I love an inconsistently balanced quilt. These two factors make quilting so much more appealing to me and keep me coming back for more.
Quick and Easy Quilting with Precuts
This asymmetrical rail fence quilt block sews together quickly using precut charm squares. Then long strips of your focal rail fabric are added for a beautifully designed quilt that will have lots of visual appeal. So, dazzle them with your next quilting project and make this simply pieced quilt. The results are stunning, and nobody needs to know how easy it is to make!
More Rail Fence Block Pattern Options
Now Try Some More Ideas
If you want to keep it quick and simple, check out this Easy Rail Fence Quilt that will be finished in an afternoon. It’s a perfect beginner’s quilt pattern with a very simple block assembly. Another fun pattern is the Double Rail Fence Quilt. This is probably one of the most traditional layouts you’ll find. If you’re up for an adventure, check out the Wild Rails pattern and see how a mistake leads to an improv beauty with this triple rail quilt!
What’s Your Back Story?
A Perfect Finish
No quilt is complete without the perfect quilt backing. Whether you choose a simple pieced backing or an improv work of art, make sure both sides of your quilt have a story to tell. Don’t forget your final opportunity for a fabulous statement by choosing your binding well.
Quilting is such a visually exciting journey. Don’t miss out on a single opportunity to add your personal touch to each quilt you make. Create a new fabric combination for a perfect color palette that leads to a beautiful quilt design. Change up an old standby pattern into something more amazing to totally awaken your creative mind. Keep it personal and make it yours! Just Quilt!
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