Triple Rail Quilt Block Pattern

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The Triple Rail quilt block is a simple yet versatile design that can add visual interest to any quilt project. Here are the steps to sew a Triple Rail quilt block:

Materials:

• Fabric (at least 3 different colors)
• Quilting ruler
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Iron

Instructions:

1. Cut three strips of fabric in different colors. The width of each strip should be the same, and the length should be slightly longer than the desired finished block size. For example, if you want a 12-inch finished block, cut three strips that are each 3 inches wide and 13 inches long.

2. Place the strips right sides together, with the top edges aligned. Sew the strips together along the top edge with a quarter-inch seam allowance. Press the seams open.

3. Cut the sewn-together strips into segments that are the same width as the individual strips. For example, if your strips are 3 inches wide, cut the segments into 3-inch sections.

4. Sew two of the segments together along the long edge, with right sides together and the seams aligned. Press the seams open. Repeat with the third segment.

5. Sew the two pairs of segments together along the long edge, with right sides together and the seams aligned. Press the seams open.

6. Trim the block to the desired finished size, making sure the edges are straight and the corners are square.

7. Repeat the process to make additional Triple Rail blocks as needed.

That's it! The Triple Rail quilt block is a simple yet effective design that can add a lot of visual interest to your quilt projects. Experiment with different colors and fabrics to create unique and eye-catching designs.

 

The secret to the perfect four patch is all about ironing seams so that they butt together when the seams are joined. You may make the four patch by cutting individual squares if you want to make a scrappy quilt or only a few blocks to make with pre-joined strips. I'll take you through both methods.

 

Cut two A squares and two B squares in your required size. Chain piecing, join A square to a B square, right sides together, with a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance. Press towards the dark fabric.

This is your result:

 

This is also the result of cutting across pre-joined strips to create two units.

To make a standard four patch, the width of the unit cut from pre-joined strips is the same as the width of the original strips. 

Press all the seams towards the dark fabric so that the seame butt-up.

Take the two A/B and place them right sides together, butting seams. Pin if required. Join with a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance, then press.

 

 

Wider Application:

You can apply this technique to all kinds of four patch blocks. As long as a block has a 4x4 grid, no matter how many pieces, the basic principles apply. It is repeated over and over again each four patch laying adjacent to the next. As long as you keep pressing seams in pairs of opposite directions, piecing will become easy.

All of the following blocks have 4x4 grids and can be pieaced as a four patch.

How to Resize Quilt Blocks:

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the size of your finished quilt block. You can come to a decision based on a number of factors: doubling a pattern, cutting your pattern in half, or choosing the size based on your available fabric.

NOTE: When working from a pattern’s cutting instructions, make sure you remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For instance, if your pattern calls for 3-1/2″ squares, first you’ll subtract the sum of the seam allowances (1/2″), double the finished block size (from 3″ to 6″), and add the seam allowance back in (1/2″). So, when all is said and done, you will cut a 6-1/2″ piece of fabric.

Resizing Square Blocks:

Square blocks are the easiest to resize. Simply add to your finished block measurement. For example, if you’d like your finished block to be a 4″ square, you’ll need to cut a 4-1/2″ square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks:

Similarly to the square, for rectangle blocks, you’ll add to the length and width measurements of your finished block. If you’re doubling block that measures 3″ x 4″ in your quilt, you’ll cut a 6-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ rectangle of fabric.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks:

When you want to change the size of a Half-Square Triangle block, add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. To make a 4″ finished block, you’d cut 4-7/8″ squares.

Resizing Quarter Square Triangle:

Since there are two cut lines and two seam lines in a Quarter-Square Triangle block you’ll need to add 1-1/4″ to the desired finished block size. For a finished block that’s 4″, you’d cut your squares 5-1/4″.