Double Rail Fence Baby Quilt Tutorial
Learn how to make a Double Rail Fence Baby Quilt that is fast to cut and easy to sew. This Double Rail Fence pattern is made with three stacked rectangles forming each block. It’s a great beginner’s quilt that is quick to piece and can be assembled in an afternoon.
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How To Make A Double Rail Fence Quilt
This Double Rail Fence Baby Quilt is made with 56 blocks. Each block is made with three 2 ½” x 6 ½” strips with the fabric colors shading from dark to lighter. The 6” finished blocks are laid out 8 wide and 7 high, for a finished quilt measuring approximately 48” x 42”. These blocks are made from 2 ½” strips cut from yardage. You may also choose to use precut jelly rolls, too.
How To Cut Double Rail Fence Block Strips
With three fabrics selected, it’s time to begin cutting. Begin by cutting ten 2 1/2” strips by the width of fabric (WOF) from all three fabrics. Do not trim the selvages yet. Keep the fabric strips separated by color to make your strip set assembly go smoothly.
How To Sew Double Rail Fence Block Strip Sets
Match up one dark strip to a center medium-color strip and sew a ¼” seam along the long edge. Continue sewing the same pairs of fabric strips until all are sewn together. This is a perfect time for chain stitching to sew your strips quickly and save a bit of time. Once the strips are sewn, press the seam allowance towards the darkest fabric being careful not to stretch your strips.
To complete your strip sets, match the lightest fabric to the medium fabric of the previously sewn strip sets. Begin sewing from the opposite end of the sewn strip to avoid any fabric warping. Sew all the strip sets together, then press the seam allowance towards the darkest fabric so both seams are pressed the same direction.
How To Cut Double Rail Fence Strip Sets
Each strip set should now measure 6 ½” wide by the WOF and will yield six 6 ½” rail fence blocks apiece. Before cross cutting your strip sets into blocks, trim off the selvage on one short end for a nice, straight edge to work from.
Now you will crosscut six 6 1/2” blocks from each strip set for a total of 56 blocks measuring 6 1/2” x 6 1/2”. First measure over 6 ½” from the trimmed edge to cut your first block. When placing your ruler for each cut, use the ruler markings to line up your ruler guide lines with the stitched seams. Don’t use the fabric edges as they may have become a bit distorted while pressing the long lengths.
How To Assemble A Double Rail Fence Quilt
With 56 completed blocks pressed and ready to sew, you will begin to layout your quilt top. The Double Rail Fence pattern is created with a repeating 4-patch block which is shown below.
Once satisfied with your quilt layout, begin sewing your blocks together. Keep in mind that nesting your seams will keep your corners lined up evenly for a nice finished look. After sewing all the seams, give your quilt top a good pressing.
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Congratulations, you finished your quilt top and it’s ready to be quilted and bound.
How to Make a Double Rail Fence Little Quilt
Little quilts are a perfect way to use up extra quilt blocks. They are incredibly handy to have for a multitude of uses. Whether for décor or function, having a little quilt laid across a seat cushion always looks inviting.
Made with only 16 blocks, this Double Rail Fence Little Quilt measures 24” x 24”. Instead of using the zigzag rail fence layout, this design has all the dark rails meeting in the center. Together they create not just one pinwheel, but also a secondary pinwheel with the lightest color rails.
These two quilts look great together and may remain a matched set.
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