Quilting: Rail Fence Block

This block is a very easy block, and a good place to start if you'd like to make a quilt! I've sewn quite a bit but I'm new to quilting.

*This makes 9 total blocks*

1. First, cut off the edging (also known as the salvage). Make sure you have a straight edge on one side (the side you cut the strips from). You can make this by lining up the fabric against a line on your cutting mat and cutting a straight edge. From this side, cut 2 1/2" x 22" strips from three coordinating fabrics. You can see in my picture, I chose a dark, a medium and a medium light fabric.

2. After the strips are cut, take the dark strip and medium strip and line them up face to face. Sew 1/4" seam (always when making a quilt). Steam the seam with an iron towards the dark fabric. Open up the pieces so the fabric faces are out. 

3. Add the medium light strip to the medium strip (strip in the middle), face to face. Sew seam and press. 

4. Now that the pieces are all sew together, cut down your sewn block strips into 3- 6 1/2 inch squares.

5. Repeat all these steps, to make another set of three blocks, for 9 total blocks.

*Straight edge should also be used to line up material at (0,1) on your mat to cut strips.