Zig-Zag borders

November 14, 2018 8 Comments

It's been such a long time since I posted, I am going to start today off with a post about the Zig-Zag border I am making for my Roses quilt.

There are many ways to make a Zig-Zag border, I have chosen to use half square triangles. 

Here's how it works.

I cut 2 1/2 inch strips from a dark print and a light print then matched the light and dark print fabrics with right sides facing. I used a half square triangle ruler to cut out the pieces. Taking them to the sewing machine and sewing them together with a 1/4 inch seam. I like this method, it's fast and requires very little trimming. 

I have pressed my seams open, thinking that it would be easier when sewing the half-square triangle units together. Because I have pressed the seams open. I have used a smaller stitch length on my machine it is about a 1.5 -2.0. I normally sew my seams at a 2.0 as I like the look of the smaller stitch. I also feel it is stronger and won't come apart so easily. It is also important when pressing your seams open to make sure your tension is good. I like quite a firm, even tension, a loose tension will pull apart easily.

Untrimmed units

Trimmed units

Use the 45-degree line on the ruler to trim units.

I sewed the half-square triangle units together to make flying geese units. I also added in a few similar dark prints in different colors just to mix it up and make it interesting.

I then sewed them together in strips the length of my border. Sewing the two strips together lengthwise to create the Zig-Zag look I wanted.

It is fun to play with half-square triangles, you can create so many designs with this fun little block.

While making the decision to add the border I went through a few color choices, I did not like the more solid gold fabric, although this had been my original choice. A design wall really helps when auditioning fabric choices.  I love the more subtle gold floral print for the Zig-Zag but thought the look of only one lighter print fabric was a little overwhelming so as usual I added more fabrics to the mix and love the look.

    

I then added the grey and red colorways of the same print for some interest.

I have three more Zig-Zag borders to make. I hope you enjoyed seeing my progress.

Happy Stitching

Sharon

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