Modern Monday - Block 48

Chevron Zigzag

Block 48 - Chevron Zigzag

I can't believe we haven't done this chevron block yet! This is very popular in Modern quilting right now. There are many cute quilts that incorporate this block - and some are made completely of this block and are wonderful! (Click here to see one!) It reminds me of Charlie Brown's shirt!

I went with three colors, but you could easily to two colors.

Cutting (for three colors):
From the orange, cut:
2 - 4 1/4" squares. Cut each in half on both diagonals to make 8 quarter-square triangles (we only need 6).
2 - 2 3/8" squares. Cut in half on one diagonal to make 4 half-square triangles.

From both the gray AND blue, cut:
1 - 4 1/4" squares. Cut each in half on both diagonals to make 4 quarter-square triangles (we only need 3).
1 - 2 3/8" squares. Cut in half on one diagonal to make 2 half-square triangles.

Lay out your triangles as shown in a reasonable facsimile of the block.

Sew the block together in rows. To do this, sew the large triangles in the center first. To get the rows to have the proper 1/4" seam allowance, offset the triangles 1/4" as shown. If you're new to sewing, you might need to measure this to make sure it's accurate. If you are a seasoned quiltmaker, you can eyeball it. Sew the two together and press.

Pin and sew the next triangle on, offsetting it again. Press.

To add the small triangles, line up the points on the outside and sew. No need to offset these. Press.

Once the rows are sewn, they should measure 2" x 6 1/2". If they don't, your block won't be the right size. Trim off the dog ears that stick out. (I don't know why they are called dog ears, but everyone seems to know what I mean when I say that so it must be the standard term for them.)

Once the 4 rows are sewn, join them together. Pinning helps so you can make sure not to cut off the points of each triangle. This is another block that tests the accuracy of your 1/4" seam allowance! When done, your block will be 6 1/2" square.