Chevron Fever

April 12, 2013 WeAllSew

What exactly is a chevron, you ask? A single chevron is a V shape made with a line or a stripe, similar to the chevron insignia patches worn on the sleeves of military uniforms to indicate rank or length of service. Rows of repeated chevrons can create a zigzag pattern (although there is some discussion about zigzag patterns vs. chevrons, like Suzannah’s post here, and Just Jingle’s rant here).

No matter what you choose to call them, chevrons OR zigzags, these repeating patterns have been turning up in all kinds of sewing projects lately – and I think I’ve got the fever! The only prescription – you guessed it, is more chevrons!

Create a modern baby quilt with a large, meandering chevron pattern with this tutorial from Rashida Coleman-Hale posted at Generation Q. Piecing half-square triangles is a simple method for creating a chevron pattern in quilting.

Cindy at Hyacinth Quilt Designs shares her method for making pretty pieced chevrons along with some tips for putting together projects with this method. I really love how Cindy pairs her colors and strips of different sizes in her chevron designs. This is the method I want to try next!

BeeSquareFabrics.com has a great guest blog post from Amanda Jean at Crazy Mom Quilts, showing how to create a zigzagging chevron pattern by piecing rectangles together. It just goes to show that there’s more than one way to construct a crafty chevron.

If piecing isn’t your thing, you can look for one of the many fabrics sporting chevron and zigzag patterns, like Riley Blake’s Chevron Prints or Premier Fabrics Zoom Zoom collection. Check at your local independent fabric or quilting store to see what kind of chevron prints are in stock.

I just love this one! Not all chevrons are fabric – check out Katie Harris’ handmade chevron spool holder/organizer!

This chevron pillow is totally fab! Get the how-to from Caitlin at Biscuits & Jam.

Here’s a great chevron project for the wee ones from the crafty Schwin sisters. Check out the Shwin & Shwin Chevron, My Chevron Tunic tutorial.

Use this little tutorial from Life is {Sew} Daily to create a simple chevron skirt using a favorite simple skirt as a pattern – a perfect project for spring!