Beginner block
Rail fence quilt pattern
A queen-size rail fence quilt is 87″ × 105″: 99 9″ blocks and a 3″ border. It takes 9½ yd of fabric for the top and binding, plus 8 yd of 42″ fabric for the backing. Named for the split-rail fences of the American frontier. Turn every other block and the strips step across the quilt in a zigzag.
How much fabric for a rail fence quilt
The same quilt in three sizes, with a 3″ border and 2½″ binding. Yardage is for 42″ of usable width after trimming selvages, rounded up to the next ⅛ yard with a little extra.
| Throw | Queen | King | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished size | 60″ × 69″ | 87″ × 105″ | 105″ × 105″ |
| Blocks | 6 × 7 = 42 | 9 × 11 = 99 | 11 × 11 = 121 |
| Linen (blocks) | 1⅛ yd | 2⅝ yd | 3⅛ yd |
| Sage (blocks) | 1⅛ yd | 2⅝ yd | 3⅛ yd |
| Forest leaf (blocks, border, binding) | 2¼ yd | 4¼ yd | 4⅞ yd |
| Top and binding | 4½ yd | 9½ yd | 11⅛ yd |
| Backing (42″ fabric) | 3⅞ yd | 8 yd | 9½ yd |
| Binding | 7 strips 2½″ × WOF | 10 strips 2½″ × WOF | 11 strips 2½″ × WOF |
| Batting | 68″ × 77″ (twin) | 95″ × 113″ (king) | 113″ × 113″ (king) |
Cutting for one rail fence block
Three strips sewn side by side, cut into squares. All sizes include ¼″ seam allowances. Every piece is a square or rectangle: cut it the finished size plus ½″ for the two ¼″ seams.
| Fabric | 6″ block | 7½″ block | 9″ block | 10½″ block | 12″ block |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light rail | 1 rectangle 2½″ × 6½″ | 1 rectangle 3″ × 8″ | 1 rectangle 3½″ × 9½″ | 1 rectangle 4″ × 11″ | 1 rectangle 4½″ × 12½″ |
| Middle rail | 1 rectangle 2½″ × 6½″ | 1 rectangle 3″ × 8″ | 1 rectangle 3½″ × 9½″ | 1 rectangle 4″ × 11″ | 1 rectangle 4½″ × 12½″ |
| Dark rail | 1 rectangle 2½″ × 6½″ | 1 rectangle 3″ × 8″ | 1 rectangle 3½″ × 9½″ | 1 rectangle 4″ × 11″ | 1 rectangle 4½″ × 12½″ |
Block diagram
- A Light rail (Linen)
- B Middle rail (Sage)
- C Dark rail (Forest leaf)
Download the block diagram (SVG)
Prints sharp at any size. Use it to plan colours with pencils, or as a pressing guide.
Questions
How much fabric do I need for a queen rail fence quilt?
About 9½ yd for the top and binding (2⅝ yd of linen, 2⅝ yd of sage, 4¼ yd of forest leaf), plus 8 yd of backing. That is for 87″ × 105″ with 9″ blocks, planned on 42″ of usable fabric width with a little extra.
What size is a rail fence block?
It is drawn on a 3 × 3 grid, so it works best at 6", 7 1/2", 9", 10 1/2", 12" finished. 9" is the most common size.
Is rail fence good for beginners?
Yes. It uses only squares and rectangles, and the seams are straight.
Can I use this pattern for free?
Yes. Rail fence is a traditional block in the public domain. The diagram and yardage on this page are free; the designer lets you change colours, size and borders and see the new yardage.
Updated November 9, 2026