Rail Fence Rice Bag

Here's another top for a rice bag; this one uses only 3 strips of fabric so it's super simple!

Rail Fence Rice Bag

Materials Required:
3 strips 1-1/2” strips x WOF (light, medium and dark work well)

Backing fabric 13” x 9-1/2"

Backing Fabric 9-1/2” x 4"

Muslin for inner bag 12-1/2” x 9-1/2"

3 cups rice

Sew strips together along long edges using a 1/4” seam allowance. Press seam allowances to one side. Strip should measure 3-1/2” wide. Fold strip in half and cut into 3-1/2” wide segments. You will get 12, 3-1/2” segments from this strip, just the right amount for your project.

Lay blocks out 4 across and 3 down. Sew together first in rows, then sew the rows together. Press. This piece measures 12-1/2” x 9-1/2”.
Cut back fabric 13” x 9-1/2”; if your patchwork is a different size than above, cut the back the same size as your patchwork plus 1/2” for hem on the longest end. Turn under 1/4” twice on the longest end and stitch to create the hem.
Cut another piece of backing fabric 9-1/2” x 4”; Sew this strip to the longest side of the patchwork front. Turn under 1/4” twice on this plain strip and stitch to create a hem.
Lay patchwork and backing right sides together, making sure that the hemmed strip is lying flat against the right side of the patchwork. Sew along three sides. Turn right side out.
The inner rice bag is constructed in the same manner as shown in the previous tutorial. Scroll down to see pictures of the construction. For the Rail Fence inner rice bag, cut 2 pieces muslin 12-1/2” x 9-1/2” (or the same size as your patchwork). Sew together along 3 sides, turn right side out. Turn in ends of bag 1/4” along top edge; press. Fold bag in half lengthwise and press to mark a crease down the centre. Open up and stitch along this crease making sure that hem is tucked under on top edge as you stitch. This creates a channel in the bag to prevent the rice from clumping together all in one end. Fill each section of rice bag with about 3 cups of rice per channel; a 1/3 cup measure makes a good sized scoop for the opening. Machine stitch along top edge to close opening. Insert muslin bag into patchwork bag, flip hemmed edge over top.