honeybee_2000

I cut all my strips out for my rail fence using three colors. I cut 2.5 x 6.5 strips and now Ive got a mess with my blocks going together..what do I do???? Ive got a perfect 6.5 across but short 1/2 inch when I turn the block.

katier825

Check your seams, they may be off. Easiest fix is to cut the blocks down to the smaller size square. You can always adjust any border size if you need to make up the difference in the overall quilt size.

mike'sgirl

When that happens to me it is usually that my 1/4 inch is not a 1/4 inch but a ooch more. If you haven't checked that, then I would and maybe that is the problem, like Katier said.

hopetoquilt

Deja vu. Did the same thing on my very first quilt.

paulswalia

As little as an eighth of an inch difference on each seam will resuilt in loss of a half inch. Remember, two pieces of fabric shortened by 1/8 equals a quarter inch each seam.

honeybee_2000

is that the right size width of strips then..2.5 x 6.5? Im only using three colors of blue.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

Rail fence blocks can be any size. If you are shooting for 6 inch finished blocks, then 2.5 x 6.5 should be right. The only explanation I see is your seam allowance.

dunster

Yes, it's the right size. Each strip will be 2" wide when finished. As a block (before the blocks are put together) the two outside strips will still have .25" seam allowance on one side, so the total unfinished width of the block will be 2.25+2+2.25=6.5.

Maggie_Sue

Such wonderful explanations from all!!!

nativetexan

well they must be square to fit. measure them all and trim all to one size. good luck.