> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.prequilt.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.prequilt.com/prequilt-101/build-a-block-unit-for-the-fabric-calculator/rectangular-units/rectangles.md).

# Rectangles

<figure><img src="/files/FmKeqoG5GiCaqbtga4Cx" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Rectangle Block Unit</p></figcaption></figure>

## <mark style="color:blue;">Rectangle Block Unit in PreQuilt</mark>

**Rectangles** are manipulated squares in PreQuilt. You start with a square and stretch it either horizontally or vertically to create your rectangular block unit.

And since the idea behind this series is to build a block unit (not an entire block that is just a rectangle), I'm going to create a 12" finished block that includes rectangle block units (like for example, the **Rail Fence** quilt block).

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### YouTube Video

*Coming soon...*

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### Help Guide

1. Click on the <mark style="color:blue;">**BLOCKS tab**</mark> on the left side control panel.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/68Sy8IGIv0pf3slIgZAs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
2. Click on the <mark style="color:blue;">**Make Custom Block**</mark> button.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/m996ukpqAnSaJrChXBS5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
3. The **Block Editor panel** will slide out and overtake your screen. My block is set to 12" x 12" finished, but it doesn't matter, the next steps will work for all sized blocks.
4. Set your grid guidelines by changing the number for the horizontal and vertical units.

   * Since I'm going to be creating the **Rail Fence** quilt block, I'll set my gridlines to 1 horizontal and 3 vertical units.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/x7ZXWpNcgJypXOELQO19" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   <figure><img src="/files/uv60Ty6LoDoFV87SM1Yi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
5. Click on the <mark style="color:blue;">**square shape**</mark> (<img src="/files/hy2ZsHmPdS74SBFprTv2" alt="" data-size="line">) from the central control panel.
6. One square will be added to the block space. Because the horizontal unit is 1, our square block unit will fill the entire space.&#x20;

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/btMOqii7xauYcIwCIs0P" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
7. To manipulate the square into a rectangle, <mark style="color:blue;">**grab**</mark> the square on the bottom side of the square and <mark style="color:blue;">**drag**</mark> it until the square fills the height of only 1 horizontal grid space.&#x20;

   * Note: If the snap to grid is turned on (default) then the shape will automatically fill the grid space.

   <div><figure><img src="/files/6O2xgtMtH2IfpCD4W8mH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/zGTbK6F2IEUlOaSfk6Ux" alt=""><figcaption><p>1 x Rectangle block unit</p></figcaption></figure></div>
8. To finish the Rail Fence block, click on the <mark style="color:blue;">**Clone button**</mark> (![](/files/Uhph6iWWhRGBUn4aG6gV)) on the central control panel.

   <figure><img src="/files/xGwpA29S95zWkmAVsis5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
9. Click on the <mark style="color:blue;">**Link button**</mark> for a different fabric link (so that there are now 2 different fabrics being used). In this example, I am using Fabric Link B.

   <figure><img src="/files/v0TOhhrWlr3zv0VFykEc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
10. <mark style="color:blue;">**Move**</mark> the new rectangle block unit into one of the empty spots.

    <div><figure><img src="/files/pX9fz32PHK44kuDoWaIF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/JQ31UDhpTgIRwgpwU12a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
11. &#x20;<mark style="color:blue;">**Repeat**</mark> 3 Steps 8-10 to finish the Rail Fence block.

    <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/JQ31UDhpTgIRwgpwU12a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/wamWrZVrnwlC6J78IiD8" alt=""><figcaption><p>Rail Fence with 3 rectangle block units</p></figcaption></figure></div>

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## <mark style="color:blue;">Sewing Construction Diagrams</mark>

No sewing construction diagrams necessary.&#x20;

Simply cut your square to size and it's a completed block unit ready to be used to create a larger quilt block.