Rail Fence Quilt – Final Thoughts

Oh, binding, binding on my quilt wall, who’s the fairest of them all?

Is it the decorative hand stitch?
Is it the invisible hand stitch?
Or, is the machine stitch?

I usually just attach the binding and zip on my way. This time, I couldn’t decide on the “look” of my binding for the Rail Fence.
Let’s start with what was clear to me.
1) I knew I wanted the flower fabric for the binding. The idea of stripes, just seemed lame. And, solid pink was even more boring.
2) I knew I wanted my binding to feel exaggerated, especially with the flowers. I wanted bigger and bolder.

To add to the exhaggeration, I cut the binding at two and half inches. Traditionally, I do two and a quarter inches.

However, despite knowing that I wanted an exhaggerated binding of flowers, I started to loose my course. I had now idea how to complete the binding! I tried an exaggerated big stitch with 30 weight thread. Nope. I hated how the stitches looked bulky against my elegant flowers.

Then I tried little crosses with the same 30 weight thread. I was in love with this delicate look. However, there was a BIG problem. It was taking so long! My hands were exhausted after 1 hour and very very little was accomplished. It was lovely but if I continued, it would be months before the binding was attached to the Rail Fence Quilt…maybe never!

So, ended up doing a traditional hem stitch by hand. I used 50 weight cotton thread. And, now I can say, done! Or, in Italian, “fatto!”.

Finishing Touches

Overall, I am very happy about the Rail Fence Quilt. For me, a traditional simple patchwork pattern can be made modern with interesting colors and prints. Plus, the final touch of quilting can add one more element of visual texture to entice the eyes. In the case of my Rail Fence Quilt, I did a lemon peel with 30 weight cotton thread by Cucirini Tre Stelle. I love how it turned out!

I believe that the right sewing needle, and a quality thread make a huge difference!

Find the thread here:
Cucirini Tre Stelle, Filati, Imbastire Etichetta Blu, Rosa

You have Special Meaning. Thank you.

Last but certainly far from the least, this quilt along journey of the Rail Fence Quilt was so special for me. I learned how to quilt a Lemon Peel and how to host a QAL! But, the best part…I had the opportunity to be a part of your quilt process. For me, it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL to know the purpose of the quilts. Some Rail Fence Quilts were made to learn a new skill. Bravo! Some of the quilts were made for babies. So sweet! One lovely QAL participant made her Rail Fence Quilt for a woman fighting cancer. God bless!

My dear quilters, for these reasons and more, I am so honored to be a part of your journey!

Sending you lots of quilt joy from Rome!
Rachel

P.S. Would you like to make a Rail Fence Quilt? The party isn’t over. Access the pattern and videos here.