The chevron stitch looks like a bold “V” shape and rhythmic zigzag flow, and is a classic in both embroidery and modern sewing design. While they’re often seen in hand embroidery, you can easily recreate that same look with your sewing machine.
I mean,
Chevron
To do a chevron stitch on a sewing machine, use a zigzag or decorative stitch to create repeating V-shaped patterns along a marked line.
It’s a great way to add texture, dress up borders, or create eye-catching geometric patterns. You can use a simple zigzag stitch or explore your machine’s decorative options. Wanna know how I did it? Let’s go.
Table of Contents
What Is A Chevron Stitch?
A chevron stitch is a sewing stitch that forms a series of “V”-shaped patterns, similar to a zigzag or arrow design. It’s named after the chevron shape. It somewhat resembles military stripes or classic herringbone patterns.
On a sewing machine, you can mimic the chevron look using:
- A zigzag stitch
- Built-in decorative chevron-style stitches
- Or free-motion quilting for more artistic, flowing chevron patterns
So basically, if you know the trick, you can mimic this stitch even on a sewing machine.
Chevron Stitch How You Do By Sewing Machine
In machine stitch, it is mostly used for quilting. So, I thought of making a quilting pillow and demonstrating to my sewinginspo.
To do a chevron stitch on a sewing machine, follow 5 steps,
Fabric Planning for Chevron Quilting
I’m making a 20″ x 20″ pillow, so I’m cutting the front panel at 21″ x 21″ to include ½″ seam allowance. The design will be a 6×6 grid, so each square needs to be 4″ x 4″ (including ¼″ seam on each side).
Here’s what I need to cut:
- 18 white squares
- 12 black squares
- 6 grey squares
That gives me 36 squares total: 24 black & white and 12 grey & white bi-colored blocks. I sometimes use it for heirloom sewing by machine, too.
Marking a 1-Inch Grid on My Fabric
Now I lay my 6” fabric square flat on my cutting mat. Using my ruler and blue water-erasable marker, I:
- Mark horizontal lines across the block every 1 inch (at 1”, 2”, 3”, etc.)
- Then mark vertical lines the same way, every inch.
This gives me a clean 1″ x 1″ grid to follow as I build the chevron shape. These marks serve as guide poinc. This is also helpful for smocking stitch on a sewing machine.
Pro Tip: Draw the lines lightly but clearly. They’ll wash or disappear later like a blind stitch.
Positioning My Ruler for the First Stitch
Now I move to my sewing machine. I’m using a walking foot for stability. But you can use a ruler foot and go into free-motion quilting mode if you’re comfortable. I start in the bottom-left corner of my block.
I position the Inside Out quilting ruler so the angled end aligns with the first diagonal I want to make. It is usually from the edge of the block to the first intersecting grid line, one inch up and to the right.
The center guide point on the ruler helps me line up precisely with those markings. I bring my bobbin thread to the top and secure the first stitch.
Stitching the First Chevron Angle
With the ruler firmly held in place, I guide my needle along the angled edge, stitching from:
Bottom-left upward diagonal, first 1″ vertical/horizontal intersection point, like a scallop stitch sewing machine.
Then I,
Reposition the ruler for the next angle, this time pointing down and to the right. Stitch that line too, forming the first “V” shape in the chevron pattern. I repeat this up-down zigzag motion across the block.
Continuing the Chevron Pattern Across the Block
Now it gets rhythmic. I continue this process:
- Align the ruler edge at each next intersection.
- Stitch up diagonally, then down diagonally, forming chevron peaks and valleys.
- Keep the spacing consistent using your 1″ grid lines as a guide.
By the time I reach the bottom-right corner, I’ve got a full row of chevron peaks stitched in a clean zigzag line across the base of the block.
Finishing the Chevron Block
When I’ve stitched the last row and reached the top of the block. I tie off the threads or backstitch to secure. I trim any loose ends and press the block with a warm iron (no steam).
If I used a Mark-B-Gone marker, I would lightly spritz the fabric with water to remove grid lines.
Now I’ve got a perfectly stitched chevron design, evenly spaced and ready for whatever project I want—quilt blocks, bags, borders, you name it!
For a closer look at the chevron stitch, watch this tutorial.
Chevron Quilt Block
Chevron Stitch Embroidery
I didn’t stop on the pillow, just. I even made some more embroidery with it. Here, have a look.
Chevron Stitch On Sewing Machine Patterns
If you want to practice chevrons but don’t know where to start, then use our pattern ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special foot or attachment?
You’ll need a ruler foot (for free-motion machines) or a walking foot (for straight-line machines). If you’re stitching decorative chevron using built-in stitches, a zigzag or decorative foot works best.
What kind of fabric works best for chevron stitching?
Quilting cotton, linen, and medium-weight woven fabrics are great. If quilting, use batting and backing, and stabilize the fabric layers with pins or spray adhesive.
How do I mark my chevron lines evenly?
Use a ruler and a fabric-safe marker (like Mark-B-Gone) to draw 1-inch grid lines across your fabric. These act as guides for consistent V-shaped stitching.
Final Thoughts
This method gives me total control over my angles and makes it super easy to replicate the look again and again. It’s satisfying, super customizable, and looks way more complex than it actually is.
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