It is really pretty. Measuring and cutting to that measurement is done by many people.

I put the ruler I cut with under my needle at the 1/4 inch mark and move it one needle width smaller than the 1/4 inch. Then I put a thick piece of painters masking tape next to my ruler and guide my fabric next to that. I get a great 1/4" seam.

Either method works.

I don't know what went wrong. That is the way mine turns out.
I will be looking.

I like the colors!

If you look at the picture and count the inches on the mat you can tell that the blocks are not 8 x 8 they are larger. Perhaps you need to do the 1/4" test and adjust accordingly. BTW I also love your fabrics do you mind saying who it's by?

Actually this is what I did: I sewed my strips (2 1/2 inches x WOF) together and pressed the seams. Then I measured the width of the sewed and pressed piece. I then cut my blocks that same measurement. That makes a square block a la Mary Ellen Hopkins. As she would say "It is your measurement." So if your 1/4 inch seam is "off" your block is still square. I haven't read the whole thread (I know this bugs some people, sorry) so I apologize if I repeat.

GREAT quick tute here...

[quote=msawicki64]I am making my first fence rail quilt. I cut my strips 2 1/2 inches,sewed them at 1/4 inch and when you lay them side by side you can see they are the same size which is 8x8 but when you turn the second block to start making the fence rail the size doesn't match. What am I doing wrong? When I watch tuts on this the I do according to the instructions. Please help. Thanks[/quote
You did not have all your strips 21/2 inch wide. To use the fabric you have already cut square up each of the block units to match then it should work out all right.