Fence Rail Quilt Pattern: Introducing the Switchback Rails Quilt

Do you ever have those moments where you are staring at a beautiful bundle of fabric, but you just can’t decide on the right project to do it justice? We have all been there. You want something that shows off the prints, doesn’t take a lifetime to finish, and has enough visual interest to keep you excited from the first cut to the final stitch.

That exact feeling is what led to the creation of the Switchback Rails quilt pattern. I wanted to design something that felt rhythmic and modern, yet remained deeply rooted in the traditions we love. If you look at the cover of the pattern, you will see exactly what I mean. The design is a fresh take on a traditional fence rail quilt pattern, but with a twist that creates a sense of constant movement across the surface.

A New Look for the Fence Rail Quilt Pattern

The traditional fence rail quilt pattern has always been a favorite for its simplicity and the way it highlights fabric color. With Switchback Rails, I took that foundational concept and added a bit of a journey to it. Instead of a static block, the strips are arranged to zig-zag back and forth. The way the colors play against one another in those shifting paths reminds me of a winding mountain trail, which is exactly where the name Switchback Rails comes from. It takes the comfort of a familiar layout and turns it into something architectural and contemporary.

Bringing Color to Life with Color Crush

The quilt on the cover features the Color Crush collection by V and Co. for Moda Fabrics, and honestly, it is a match made in heaven. If you are familiar with V and Co., you know they are the masters of saturated, vibrant colors and those gorgeous ombre transitions. By using these fabrics in this specific fence rail quilt pattern, the quilt takes on an almost electric energy. The clean lines of the switchback design allow each individual shade in the collection to shine without getting lost in the shuffle.

Why You Will Love This Fence Rail Quilt Pattern

One of the things I think you will love most about this project is how approachable it is. While the finished quilt looks like you spent weeks mapping out complex angles, the construction is actually quite simple and very fast. It is a strip-based fence rail quilt pattern, which means you can find a flow and really enjoy the process of piecing without getting bogged down in tiny, fussy details. It is the kind of project that is perfect for a weekend where you just want to clear your head and sew.

For those of us who tend to collect fat quarter bundles like they are works of art, this pattern is going to be your new best friend. It was written specifically to be fat quarter friendly. Whether you want to recreate the rainbow look of the cover quilt or use a more curated selection of fabrics for a monochromatic feel, this version of a fence rail quilt pattern is incredibly forgiving and versatile.

Sizing and Versatility

I made sure to include three different sizes in the pattern because I know we all sew for different reasons. There is a small throw that is perfect for a quick baby gift or a lap quilt, a standard throw size that is just right for the back of the couch, and a full queen size for those who want to make a real statement in a bedroom.

The goal with Switchback Rails was to create a fence rail quilt pattern that feels like a conversation between the fabric and the maker. It is about watching the lines shift and change as you add each new row. If you have a bundle of Color Crush or any other favorite fat quarters sitting on your shelf, I truly believe this pattern will help you turn them into something spectacular.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of pulling a finished quilt out from under the needle and seeing all those colors working together. I can’t wait to see the versions you create and the paths your own fabrics take.

For more tips on how to make the perfect scrappy quilt, check out this blog post here.