This is the week where our Charming Chevrons quilts really start coming together! We will sew all of the blocks and start laying them out so that the top can get finished by next week. Be sure to scroll to the end of this post for the complete tutorial schedule.
It took me a total of 2 hours, 15 minutes to sew and press all 42 of my Chevron blocks.
Step 1 – Sewing the Half-V’s (1 Hour)
Each chevron looks like a V and each half of the block is a mirror image so keep that in mind while assembling your units.
First, separate all of your triangle squares from last week into 4 equal piles, orienting them to form a V.
Note that each half of the V is made from two triangle squares of the same fabric. You should have a total of 42 sewn triangle squares per pile.
Since each half of the block is a mirror image, I will be sewing one half at a time.
Starting with the left half of the block – the left V – I laid a stack of units next to my sewing machine. They are oriented in the direction I will sew them. Chain piece all left V units.
Chain Piecing means sewing pairs of blocks with no stops.
After sewing all of your left V stacks, finger press (or use a wooden seam roller) from the back and then again from the front. Press them all to the same side and repeat for all halves.
You should have a total of 42 left V units.
Now, repeat the steps above for the other half of the blocks, the right V units. Be sure to press the right halves in the opposite direction so they nestle when sewing the blocks.
Repeat for a total of 42 right V units.
Step 2 – Joining the Halves (1 Hour, 15 Minutes)
Pin the two halves of each block together. If desired, you can flip over any seams so that they will nestle with the other side of the block – look at the pin on the far right below.
The key to sewing crisp points on these blocks is to hit the “sweet spot” when sewing your seams. Sew from the side where you can see a little “x” made by previous seams. This is right where my pin intersects the block below.
When you have sewn all of the blocks together, press or seam-roll them again on both front and back. When finished, you will have a total of 42 blocks.
Because of the way this quilt is laid out, you will want the major seams in your blocks to alternate. To do this make sure you press 18 blocks in one direction and 24 blocks the opposite direction. You’ll have 3 rows of block seams one way and 4 going the other way.
Once your blocks are complete, you can start laying them out in a pleasing color arrangement on your design wall (watch which way you pressed the seams).
You’ll notice that in my original drawings I started with the Chevrons pointing up first. But now that I’ve laid them out, I think I prefer them as shown in the photo above with the points starting down. It’s your choice! I have kits available for all 3 colorways shown.
Sewing Schedule (All links will be active once each step has been completed.)
- Week 1 – Supply List and Introduction
- Week 2 – Marking and Sewing the Charms
- Week 3 – Cutting and Trimming the Triangle Squares
- Week 4 – Sewing the Chevrons (today’s post above)
- Week 5 – Assembling the Quilt Top
- Week 6 – Marking and Basting
- Week 7 – Machine Quilting Straight Lines
- Week 8 – Free Motion Pebble Quilting
- Week 9 – Binding and Finishing Your Quilt