Jelly Roll Rail Fence Quilt Block

Beginner quilters, you’re going to love this block! Designed by Rachel Nielsen, this easy quilt block pattern features the classic rail fence design and is a great project for jelly rolls. This quick block pattern is begging for you to experiment with fun and interesting color combinations, like the ombre-inspired sample made by our designer. Turn your quilt block into a stunning spring pillow or table topper.

Designer Notes:

• Jelly roll strips make quick work of cutting the pieces. They are already 2 1/2″ wide, so simply cut the strips to length.
• Please read all instructions before beginning. All seams are 1/4″.
• Fabrics used are Cozy House by Judy Jarvi for Andover Fabrics.

Materials:

• Fabrics:
  • Dark fabric – Cut 1 – 2 1/2” x 27” strip
  • Medium fabric – Cut 1 – 2 1/2” x 27” strip
  • Light fabric – Cut 1 – 2 1/2” x 27” strip

Tools:

• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors or a rotary cutter, acrylic quilting ruler, and self-healing cutting mat
• Iron and ironing board or mat

Piecing Instructions:

MAKING THE STRIP SET:

1. Arrange the strips from darkest to lightest as shown.
2. Sew the strips together lengthwise. Press the seams flat towards the darkest fabric. The strip set should measure 27” x 6 1/2”.
   
   
3.  Next, cut the strip set into four 6 1/2” x 6 1/2” squares. Discard any excess.
   
   

ASSEMBLING THE RAIL FENCE BLOCK:

1. Arrange the squares in two rows of two as shown in the picture, or as described below:
   
   
   1. Top left: Strips are vertical with the dark strip on the right.
   2. Top right: Strips are horizontal with the dark strip on the bottom.
   3. Bottom left: Strips are horizontal with the dark strip on the top.
   4. Bottom right: Strips are vertical with the dark strip on the left.
2. Sew the top row together, and press the seam toward the top left block.
3. Sew the bottom row together, and press the seam toward the bottom right block.
4. Sew the two rows together, nesting the seams in the center of the block.
5. Press the final seam open.
   
   

ADDITIONAL ASSEMBLY ORIENTATION AND QUILT LAYOUTS:

The typical assembly of a rail fence block features a pinwheel pattern like this tutorial.

Here is an example of a quilt made of 24 pinwheel style rail fence blocks in a 4 x 6 layout.

There is another assembly orientation that will result in a zigzag style quilt, where all vertical strips have the dark strip on the left and all horizontal strips have the dark strip on the top.

• Top left: Strips are vertical with the dark strip on the left.
• Top right: Strips are horizontal with the dark strip on the top.
• Bottom left: Strips are horizontal with the dark strip on the top.
• Bottom right: Strips are vertical with the dark strip on the left.

Assemble and press each block in the same manner.

Below is the zigzag quilt that results when combining many of these blocks together. It is a completely different look.

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