Block 14 – Billie’s Sampler
The Rail Fence block is simple strip piecing. A nine patch block and each sub block is made up of 4 individual strips.
Cutting
36 x 1 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch strips (9 strips per color set) you need 4 colors.
Assembly
I stripped pieced in section of 2 strips each. Using Seam Align Glue and stitching with a 1.8mm straight stitch using Amann Mettler Saba 150wt CoreSpun Polyester Thread Color 3000
Press open. I pressed seams to the darker fabric.
now assemble your darker units with your lighter units. Again I used Seam Align Glue.
Again Press your seams open. And again i choose to press to the darker fabric.
Now there are 9 x 4 1/2 square blocks. Ready to be assembled into a standard nine patch configuration. There are many ways to assemble a rail fence block. Billie’s sampler showed a more complex zigzag layout which I choose to mimic as well. Lay your blocks out before assembly to get your overall design correct.
Now just assemble as a standard nine patch that your sub blocks are in your preferred layout.
I choose to assemble my nine patch in a 2 x 2 method starting at the left top to middle and finally left bottom. Then I also stitched the right top and right middle together. Be cautious to keep your blocks turned the correct way to maintain your overall design.
Keep going until your 9 patch is fully assembled.
Success!!! Your 14th block Rail Fence is now complete.
A few thoughts I used the Anthology Lovable Fat Quarter Collection. I love the Red and Oranges. But This block needed some contrast. I wish I had added a white base strip. But it is still beautiful in my opinion.
