Rail Fences for Baby

Finished Size: Aprox: 41-1/2" square

Alright, for this free Friday, I wrote it ahead of time so it would for sure be published ON Friday.....and then I forgot what day of the week it was. In my head, now is Friday. I'll get the hang of this whole seven days to a week thing someday. Anyway, it's a simple pattern, but it's cute. And FAST! I got my top measurements figured, fabric cut, and pieces pieced in under four hours. Chances are you can get it done much MUCH faster than I can. SOOooooOOooo...Here goes something (or another):

What you need:

5 - 1/3 yd pieces (cut into four 2-1/4" strips)

1 - 1/8 yd border piece (cut into four 4" strips)

1-1/3 yd Backing (it's a tight fit but it should be ok--make the border thinner if that would make you more comfortable working with it.)

5 yd. Bias tape

Crib sized batting

matching thread

Putting it together:

1. Sew five strips together and press seams all in one direction. Repeat four times so you have four wide strips of five skinny strips.

2. Cut strips into 9" squares (four squares per set) There will be a little excess.

3. Lay out all your squares alternating horizontal and vertical in a checkerboard fashion. (four by four squares)

4. Sew your squares in strips, it's easiest to press the seams out away from the horizontal ones, as shown below:

5. Now sew up the long seams, pinning at each square intersection to make sure they meet up correctly.

6. Sew the border pieces on. As shown below (or in a mitered corner<--you will have enough fabric to do this if you'd like)

7. Finish quilt by stretching and layering backing batting and top, pin in place and quilt as desired. I did an all over swirly design, but stitch in the ditch would look awesome too.

And that's it for now today! Enjoy.

:)