Super Zig Zag Quilt

Super Zig Zag Quilt

One of the joys of quilting is discovering a pattern that looks intricate and impressive, but comes together with ease and creativity. The Super Zig Zag Quilt by Monica Solorio-Snow of Happy Zombie is exactly that kind of project. With its bold, modern design and no-triangle construction, it’s the perfect quilt for anyone looking to make a big impact with straightforward piecing.

This quilt delivers eye-catching movement with its dramatic zigzag layout, but what makes it truly special is the simplicity behind the scenes. If you’ve ever been intimidated by HSTs (half-square triangles) or bias edges, fear not—the Super Zig Zag pattern cleverly avoids them altogether by using strips and rectangles to form each row of chevrons.

What Makes It “Super”?

The Super Zig Zag Quilt earns its name from both its scale and its approachability. It’s constructed entirely from strips, meaning you can dive right in with pre-cut 2.5" strips (like Jelly Rolls) or cut your own from yardage or scraps. The design works beautifully with both solids and prints, and is particularly effective if you want to show off a favorite fabric collection.

Here’s why this quilt is a winner:

• No triangles! That means no stretching on the bias or fussy points to match.
• Great for beginners, yet still satisfying for seasoned quilters.
• Visually dynamic, thanks to the bold zigzag layout.
• Fast to piece, making it ideal for weekend sewing or gift-giving.

Materials & Construction:

• Assorted fabrics for your zigzag rows
• Background fabric (traditionally white, but feel free to mix it up)
• Backing, batting, and binding

Each “zig” and “zag” is created using pieced rectangles rather than triangles, which makes the construction surprisingly quick and forgiving. The rows are sewn together with alternating offset rectangles to build the signature chevron look.

The pattern includes full instructions and a helpful diagram, making it easy to follow even if you're new to quilting, Get The full pattern here: Super Zig Zag Quilt Free Pattern

Fabric Ideas:

The Super Zig Zag is extremely versatile when it comes to fabric choices. You can:

• Use a monochrome color scheme for a sleek, modern feel
• Go full rainbow for a playful, cheerful design
• Showcase seasonal prints for holiday-themed quilts
• Mix in your favorite scraps for a totally unique version

The strong graphic layout gives every fabric a chance to shine, whether you’re working with low volumes, bold prints, or textured solids.

Tips for Success:

• Pre-cut strips make this quilt fast and efficient to assemble.
• Label your rows to stay organized during layout and sewing.
• Play with layout on a design wall or even the floor to balance colors before stitching rows together.
• Consider adding borders if you want to size the quilt up or frame your zigzag design.

    The Super Zig Zag Quilt is a joyful project that delivers bold visual appeal with minimal effort. It’s a go-to pattern for beginners, but also a great palette cleanser for experienced quilters in between more intricate projects. Monica’s design truly lives up to its name—it’s super simple, super fun, and super stylish.

Whether you’re sewing for yourself, a loved one, or a special occasion, the Super Zig Zag Quilt is bound to impress. Happy stitching—and may your zigzags be ever sharp!

Circle of Friends Block

Circle of Friends Block

One of the most rewarding aspects of quilting is the way it brings people together—whether it's through a local guild, an online sew-along, or simply sharing tips over a cup of tea. The Circle of Friends Block, designed by Maureen Cracknell for the Sewcial Bee Sampler, is a beautiful reminder of that spirit of community.

This 12.5" block (unfinished) combines traditional piecing with a modern layout, resulting in a clean, striking design that’s perfect for scrap busting or showcasing your favorite fabrics.

Why I Loved Making This Block!

What caught my eye with the Circle of Friends block was its name—there’s something meaningful about stitching together a piece that symbolizes friendship. But beyond the sentiment, the block construction is genuinely fun and relaxing, ideal for a quiet afternoon at the sewing machine.

The layout features a central square surrounded by a ring of contrasting fabrics, giving the illusion of a circle. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet satisfying for experienced quilters who enjoy clean lines and balance in their patchwork.

Fabric Choices and Tips:

This pattern works well with a main print or bold color in the center, surrounded by lighter or low-volume fabrics to emphasize the circular effect. Here’s what I used in my version:

• A floral focal print for the center square
• A mix of soft blenders in coordinating colors for the outer pieces
• Solid white for the background, to keep it crisp and airy

Pro Tip: Use a rotating cutting mat if you have one—it makes trimming those half-square triangles much easier!

Construction at a Glance:

Here’s a quick overview:

1. Half-Square Triangles (HSTs): You’ll be making quite a few HSTs for this block—perfect for practicing accuracy.
2. Piecing the Rows: Once the HSTs are complete, the block comes together in a standard 3x3 layout.
3. Final Assembly: Careful pressing (press seams open or to one side consistently) makes a big difference in helping the block lie flat.

Design Ideas:

I’m already imagining how beautiful a full quilt of Circle of Friends blocks would look! Here are a few layout thoughts:

• Alternating fabric intensities (light/dark) to create a secondary pattern
• Adding sashing between blocks for a floating look
• Mixing this block with others from the Sewcial Bee Sampler for an eclectic sampler quilt

Circle of Friends block from Sharon Holland and Maureen Cracknell’s Sewcial Bee Sampler series: Circle of Friends Block – Free Pattern PDF

Quilt blocks like this remind me why I started quilting in the first place—not just for the joy of sewing, but for the connections we make along the way. Whether you sew this block on your own or as part of a group project, it’s a lovely way to celebrate both craft and community.

So pour yourself a cup of tea, grab your rotary cutter, and piece together a circle of friendship—one stitch at a time.