A friend asked me to quilt her Rail Fence Quilt top and I have no idea what to do.

Any suggestions or photos will be greatly appreciated!!!

Split rail fences are wonderful, simple, and very forgiving of mistakes. I often recommend them for beginners, because they look so much more complicated than they are. I usually see them with three colors, which makes the zig-zag pattern stand out, but as long as you square your blocks, you can use as many as you'd like.

This is one of the first quilts I made. I still like it.

It is an easy pattern and the fabrics make it fun. Great way to learn the process of making a top.

Umm, thanks everyone, but I think you are miss reading what I am asking. The quilt top is finished, she wants me to quilt it and I have no idea what do to on it. It is a three colour quilt.

I'm new to doing my own quilting on my sewing machine-- so I've been doing image searches to find ideas for the FMQ or straight stitch designs. I think you can go one of two ways with split rail quilts; either a curvy overall pattern which is a complete contrast to the simplicity of the rectangular pattern of the quilt top OR emphasize the geometric patterns with stitch in the ditch.

To me the choice depends on the recipient of the quilt , the fabricss, and your skill level. I think it would be fun to make a simple split rail with solids or blenders and go all out with the quilting using some of Leah Day's filler patterns (she's been posting them on her blog) on half of the strips and rows of straight lines on the others.

OH - quilt the quilt not make a quilt top - I get it!

Are you a FMQ? If so, it looks like the fabric has some leaves in it. Maybe you can do an overall leaf pattern with some meandering in between.
If not, there is always the old standby SID. I am actually a fan of stitch in the ditch.

I think I would stitch in the ditch.

This was my second quilt, the Rail Fence was for my daughter. I don't know if you can see the quilting, but its with leaves all over it.

Stil trying to get this picture to show on here.

I love that quilt! Those colors are just great! That rail fence can be used to create some stunning quilts. The secret is getting good colors/fabrics that make the pattern pop!

When she asked you to quilt it, did she have any preferences? I would Stitch in the Ditch unless she wants more curves!

If you are fimiliar with what is sometimes called Lemon Peel, that is easy and looks great on simple block construction, which after all is what the rail fence is. Lemon peel can be done with either a template or free motion.
Ann

On a rail fence, I always quilt in the ditch.

She told me to do what I wanted on it. I really hate stitching in the ditch, but I think I will just to save me some time.

Never heard of lemon peel, but I am going to look that one up for sure, Thanks!

If you google How do you quilt a Fence Rail Quilt, youtube has a some information on what you can do to quilt it. You may find some ideas there.

Kathy, email me and I will try to explain lemon peel quilting. I have a quilt here, rail fence quilted, I will take a picture.
Ann
[email protected]

much quicker than SID

One of the first quilts I made for a gift for my niece was a split rail fence. I did a simple diagonal line across each block. It added a nice dimension to the parrallel and perpendicular lines of the block. Good luck.
I always struggle with how to quilt ( what quilting design) to use and then once I finally decide, I struggle with how to mark the top.
csmomma

I am not familiar with Lemon Peel. Can you describe it or show a photo?
Thanks!

I did this crazy colored one for my daughter... bright and bold just like her!!