Easy Chevron Quilt Block Tutorial

Ready for a quick and satisfying quilt block that brings the wow without the fuss? Let me introduce you to the Chevron quilt block. This one’s a crowd-pleaser—super beginner-friendly, layer cake or scrap stash-approved, and easy to sew up when you’re in the mood for something that looks fancy but isn’t fussy.

This block is built using half-square triangles (HSTs), which means you’ll get crisp points and that classic zigzag vibe with just a few simple steps. Whether you’re whipping up a few blocks for a modern quilt layout or going all in for a bold chevron moment, this tutorial will have you stitching in no time.

Chevron Quilt Blocks are awesome! Aren’t they? I didn’t want though a complicated quilt block. I wanted something quick and easy. Something that wouldn’t tax my brain…and I could use up my stash while I’m at it.

I found that if I matched up a few squares, I could make a bunch. Use this and you will find that your stash will dwindle, and you can feed your chevron fix for a little bit.

---

Basic Quilting Supplies

• Rotary cutter or a new sharp blade
• Cutting Mat
• Quilt Ruler
• Sewing Machine – This brother is my favorite!
• Iron here
• Thread
• Bobbins
• Scissors
• Seam Ripper – Not my favorite thing to do!

How To Sew A Chevron Quilt Block:

1)  Lay right sides together the background and 5″ X 5″ main fabric

2)  With a ruler and pencil, draw a line from corner to corner of the square

3)  Sew on either side of the drawn line. A scant 1/4″ is best

4)  Cut on drawn line and iron

5)  Repeat with other squares

6)  Play with your layout- you can put the 2 matching blocks together, or you can mix and match for a scrappy chevron quilt block. Either way works great!

7)  Sew the pairs together

This is a great way to use charm packs + a background. Sew up a few for a baby or lap sized quilt.

If you don’t have a quilt to make, but would like– you can make it into a finished project. Check out the 52 Quilt Block Pick up series from last year for ideas and tutorials!

Make The Whole Quilt – The Chevron Quilt.

 Tip: Choose Fabrics with Contrast
To really make the chevron pattern pop, pair up light and dark fabrics or prints and solids. If both fabrics are too similar in tone, the zigzag effect might get lost in the mix.

Tip: Trim for Precision
After you make your HSTs, give them a quick trim to make sure they’re all the same size. It only takes a minute, and your chevron points will thank you later.

Tip: Chain Piece for Speed
If you’re sewing up a bunch of these blocks, save time by chain piecing all your HSTs. It keeps the rhythm going and makes the whole process feel faster and more fun.

Tip: Plan Your Layout
Before sewing your units together into a block, lay them out first to double-check that your chevrons are pointing the right direction. Trust me, it’s easy to flip one the wrong way when you’re on a roll.

Press Like a Pro
Press your seams consistently—either all to one side or open—for smoother joins and flatter blocks. You’ll notice the difference when it’s time to assemble your quilt top.

For more quilt block tutorials –clickety click here.

More Layer Cake Patterns:

Single Slice Quilt

Wheelies Quilt Pattern

Adding a bit of a dark background with your layer cake will get you finishing this quilt quickly.

Square on point quilt

This is a surprising simple quilt to sew, you’ll have it finished in a weekend

---

– Additional Quilt Block Resources –

• Free Pumpkin Quilt Block Pattern
• Paper Piecing Temperature Quilt Block
• Magnolia Quilt Block Tutorial with AccuQuilt
• 16 12-Inch Quilt Block Patterns to Make for Free
• Christmas Stockings Quilt Block and Pattern – Jelly Roll Friendly!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What size are the fabric squares used in this tutorial?
The tutorial utilizes 5″ x 5″ squares, commonly known as charm squares, for both the background and main fabrics.

2. Is this pattern suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This chevron quilt block is beginner-friendly, involving simple steps like sewing half-square triangles and arranging them into a chevron pattern.

3. Can I use pre-cut fabric packs like charm packs or layer cakes?
Yes, charm packs (5″ squares) are perfect for this project. If using layer cakes (10″ squares), you can cut them into four 5″ squares each to use in the pattern.

4. How do I create the chevron pattern with the blocks?
After creating your half-square triangles, arrange them in rows, alternating the direction of the triangles to form the chevron (zigzag) pattern.

 

---