Pattern Description:
The “Super Zig” quilt is a bold, supersized zig-zag design inspired by vintage quilts. Using a simple 2-rail method, this pattern avoids half-square triangles while creating striking, continuous zig-zags.
Perfect for beginners and experienced quilters alike, it features contrasting fabrics, optional borders, and versatile sizing. It’s clean lines and playful angles make it a modern classic for any quilt collection.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Rotary cutter
- Wuilting ruler
- Cutting mat
- Pins or clips
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Iron
Stitches & Abbreviations Used:
- WOF – Width of Fabric
- HST – Half-Square Triangle (not used here)
- RT – Right Tip/Right Side
- LT – Left Tip/Left Side
- SE – Seam Allowance (usually ¼ inch)
Instructions for Making the This Cute Zig-zag Quilt Pattern:
Step 1: Preparing Fabric Strips
- Select Fabrics: Choose your main fabrics for the zig-zag rails and a contrasting background fabric. For a bold look, alternate dark and light fabrics.
- Cut Strips: Using a rotary cutter, cut all fabrics into strips. For a standard supersized quilt, strips can range from 2.5” to 4” wide. Cut lengths to WOF or desired block length.
- Organize Colors: Lay the strips out in the order you want them to appear in the zig-zag. This helps prevent mixing colors during piecing.
Step 2: Constructing the Zig-zag Rails
- Piece Rails: Using SE = ¼ inch, sew strips together end-to-end to make long strips that will form the zig-zag rails. Press seams open to reduce bulk.
- Cut Rail Segments: Cut each long strip into segments of equal length. These segments will be arranged to form the zig-zag pattern.
Step 3: Assembling the Rail Fence Blocks
- Arrange Segments: Lay out two contrasting rail segments next to each other to form a 2-rail zig-zag block. Align ends carefully for clean points.
- Sew Blocks: With right sides together, sew the segments along the long edge using a ¼” SE. Press seams toward the darker fabric for consistency.
- Check Alignment: Ensure that the zig-zag points match across blocks. Adjust slightly if needed to maintain the continuous pattern.
Step 4: Combining Blocks into Rows
- Layout Rows: Once blocks are sewn, arrange them in horizontal rows. Alternate the direction of each 2-rail block to create the continuous zig-zag effect.
- Sew Rows Together: Sew blocks within each row, then join rows together. Press seams as preferred (all in one direction or alternating for minimal bulk).
- Trim Edges: Square up the quilt top to create even edges before adding borders, if desired.
Step 5: Adding Borders (Optional)
- Cut Borders: Cut strips for borders in desired width (e.g., 2.5”–4”). Borders can be single-color or pieced for extra flair.
- Attach Borders: Sew the border strips to the top and bottom edges first, then to the sides. Press seams toward the borders for a neat finish.
Step 6: Layering and Basting
- Prepare Quilt Sandwich: Lay backing fabric RT down, place batting on top, and finally quilt top RT up. Smooth all layers to remove wrinkles.
- Baste Layers: Use safety pins, basting spray, or long basting stitches to secure layers together.
Step 7: Quilting
- Choose a Quilting Design: Straight-line quilting along seams enhances the zig-zag design. Free-motion quilting or a custom stitch pattern can add texture.
- Quilt the Layers: Sew through all layers carefully, starting from the center and working outward to prevent puckering.
Step 8: Binding
- Cut Binding Strips: Cut strips 2.5” wide for binding. Join strips end-to-end using diagonal seams for flexibility around corners.
- Attach Binding: Sew binding to the quilt edge RT together, miter corners at edges. Fold binding to the back and hand-stitch for a clean finish.
Step 9: Finishing Touches
- Label Your Quilt: Include your name, date, and quilt name (“Super Zig”) on a fabric label.
- Final Press: Give the quilt a final gentle press to smooth seams and ensure it lays flat.
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