Rail Fence Border

A few weeks ago we began to build our quilt around the Winter Birds center.  I have begun a second quilt to demonstrate with. This is to be my "Queen Bee" quilt.  I will oscillate between this Queen Bee quilt and my Winter Birds for instructional purposes.

The rail blocks have been sewn together and there should be 20 of them.  To create the first two borders, sew four blocks together for each border being aware of the horizontal and vertical placement of each as indicated in your written instructions.

It is important to begin each row with the first block in the same orientation.  As shown here, my borders begin with a block with the rails in the horizontal position.  Having this first block in the same orientation for each row will ensure that all of the blocks are arranged in a horizontal then vertical position all around the quilt. Notice the close up of the arrangement of the first block below.

When the first two borders are sewn together, sew the first border to one side of the appliquéd center, right sides together, with the horizontal block in the first position where your sewing begins.  Press the seam out.

Then sew the second border to the opposite side of the appliqué center, again with the horizontal block in the first position.  Press the seam out.

First two borders sewn to appliqué center on opposite sides.

Next, arrange the remaining blocks into two borders of six blocks each, again beginning the row with a block with the rails sitting in the horizontal position.

Sew together.  With right sides together, sew to opposite sides of the appliqué center with the horizontal-positioned block at the beginning position of your sewing.  Press seams out.

The quilt will now measure 36 1/2" square.  Next week, we will work on adding Border 2 and beginning the half-square triangles for Border 3.

Until then, enjoy your sewing and have a beautiful week.