Creating a stunning quilt doesn’t always require complex techniques or intricate designs. The Zig Zag Path quilt block is a perfect example of simplicity meeting elegance. This block is incredibly easy and quick to assemble, using only half square triangles and squares.
Despite its straightforward construction, when pieced together in a full quilt, the Zig Zag Path block creates a unique and eye-catching pattern. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a manageable project or an experienced quilter seeking a delightful new design, the Zig Zag Path quilt block offers a beautiful and efficient way to craft your next masterpiece.
Fabric Requirements for a 9″ Finished Zig Zag Path Quilt Block:
- Light/Cream: 3 – 4″ squares
- Dark/Blue: 3 – 4″ squares
- Assorted Prints: 1 – 3.5″ square, and 2 – 4″ squares
- This is the minimum needed for one block. If I were making more than one block, I would have lots of Assorted Prints.
Traditionally, this block is a three-color block – light, medium, and dark. But I had to try out a semi-scrappy design! In a quilt I would keep the Light and Dark fabrics consistent throughout the quilt and then have lots of medium toned prints for the rest.
Sewing Directions:
Half Square Triangles:
Step 1:
Using two of the Light/Cream 4″ squares and two of the Dark/Blue 4″ squares, sew together four Half Square Triangles. Press the seam allowances toward the Dark/Blue fabric. Trim/square up the units to 3.5″ square.
Step 2:
Here’s a picture of all four Half Square Triangles all squared up.
Step 3:
Repeat Step 1 only using the remaining Light/Cream 4″ square and one of the Assorted Prints 4″ square. Press the seam allowance toward the Light/Cream fabric.
Step 4:
Repeat Step 3 only using the remaining Dark/Blue 4″ square and the remaining Assorted Prints 4″ square. Press the seam allowance toward the Assorted Prints fabric.
Putting It All Together:
Step 5:
Lay out the Step 2, Step 3, and Step 4 Half Square Triangle units, and the Assorted Prints 3.5″ square as shown in the picture below.
From here the block goes together like a typical Nine Patch block.
Step 6:
Sew the units into three rows as shown below.
Step 7:
Press the seam allowances away from the Cream/Dark Blue Half Square Triangle units as shown.
Step 8:
Sew the three rows together to complete the block.
Step 9:
Press the seam allowances toward the center of the block. All done! Easy peasy!
Layout Ideas:
Here’s the basic 4 x 4 layout using a block similar in color to the one I made for this tutorial. I love the basketweave look that appears!
This is the same layout as above, just more Assorted Prints were used to make a scrappier version. I love the woven illusion the block creates! This is my favorite layout.
Here’s the same layout only with sashing and cornerstones added. I think you lose the illusion of weaving in this example.
This example shows the traditional three-color block and every other block is rotated. Love this!
This is an on-point layout with three colors and the corner triangles are just the light color.
Another on-point layout but with narrow sashing and cornerstones added. Additionally, the setting triangles are plain light fabric.
