Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

Free pattern: Traffic signs for little boys and much more

by

Wow! You can download these boy friendly street sign patterns at Ottobre Design. Get the pattern for a chimpanzee, friendly robots coloring pages and a dog sewing card too. So worth a trip over there as they have girl friendly patterns too. Click HERE to see the index of free patterns.

Image credit: Ottobre Design

Ed. note 8/02/2012: I’ve gotten a few comments where readers are lamenting my labeling these street sign patterns as boy friendly, saying girls love them too. Sure, I’ll give you that some will at that age, but I’d say more boys will like them, as in poll results would show. Generalizations exist because there is some truth to them. I chose the wording because most of what’s in the blogosphere in the way of sewing for kids is very girl friendly. Cannot little boys have something of their own without being accused of excluding girls? I lament this double standard.

Ed. note 1/20/2013: The traffic signs download is no longer available. 

Comments

  1. Yes, there’s truth to generalizations, but that’s not a reason to reinforce gender stereotypes, even subtly. Why not simply present things like this without comment on who they’re “meant for” and let parents decide for themselves whether their child — boy or girl — would like them?

  2. I think people need to learn not to type everything they think. I appreciate you labeling it BOY as it is HARD to find BOY stuff and I am always google searching and find nothing. Why does everyone want to turn everything into some sort of prejudice.

    If you posted a girlie pink dress with lace no one would say a dam thing. Even though there are boys out there that like pink dresses with lace on it. I know a few. Bottom line is its still girlie.

  3. Exactly my point, had it been something girlie and I called that to everyone’s attention, nary a word would be uttered.
    Viva la difference + when there is cross-interest…that’s okay too!
    Scarlett

  4. Limitations are limitations, no matter how convenient they may make it to search for things. I vote for using descriptive words like “frilly” or “delicate” in place of “girly”. Words like “durable” or “simple” could often be used to describe things currently marketed to boys. “embellished” could apply to either gender.

    What does it matter to the tutorial if you’re appliqueing a gun or a flower? Let’s try thinking of our children as a collection of their interests as opposed to a collection of their anatomy.

Have you read?

10 Modern Zig Zag Quilts That Feel Fresh and Graphic

Zig zag quilts have been around for decades, but modern quilting has completely reinvented them.

Gone are the busy calicos and tightly packed traditional layouts (although we still love those too). Today’s modern zig zag quilts lean into negative space, bold contrast, oversized blocks, and intentional color choices. The result? Clean, graphic quilts that feel more like art than heirloom.

If you’ve been searching for modern zig zag quilt patterns, contemporary chevron quilt ideas, or bold triangle quilt layouts, this guide focuses specifically on quilts that feel current, fresh, and design-forward.

Let’s talk about what makes a zig zag quilt “modern” — and then dive into patterns that truly showcase it.

What Makes a Zig Zag Quilt Feel Modern?

Modern zig zag quilts usually include one or more of these elements:

  • High contrast color palettes
    • Large-scale blocks
    • Negative space
    • Limited fabric prints
    • Minimalist layouts
    • Strong directional flow

Instead of relying on busy fabric to create interest, modern zig zag quilts use structure and contrast to do the heavy lifting.

Now let’s look at patterns that do this beautifully.

Descending Zig Zag Quilt

This pattern shifts the zig zag direction gradually across the quilt, creating a sense of movement that feels almost architectural. It’s not just repetition — it’s progression. Using a tight color palette here really enhances the modern feel.

Best for: Confident beginners and up
Fabric tip: Try a monochrome gradient for a dramatic effect.

 Lightning Zigzags

This version leans bold and graphic, especially when made in high contrast solids. The sharp peaks give it an energetic edge. It’s ideal if you want your quilt to feel like a statement piece.

Best for: Modern home décor
Fabric tip: Black + white or navy + cream works beautifully here.

Jelly Roll Triangle Quilt

Pre-cuts meet modern design. This pattern uses jelly roll strips to streamline cutting while keeping the zig zag lines crisp. The layout feels clean and organized rather than busy.

Best for: Quick finishes
Fabric tip: Choose solids or tone-on-tone prints for a sleeker look.

 Zig Zag Without HSTs

If trimming triangles isn’t your thing, this strip-pieced version creates the chevron illusion using straight seams. The result still feels graphic and modern, especially in minimal color schemes.

Best for: Beginners who love clean lines
Fabric tip: Stick to two strong contrasting colors.

Modern Chevron Tutorial – Lickety Split

This pattern embraces simplicity. Large zig zag rows and generous spacing give the design breathing room. It’s subtle, sleek, and very contemporary.

Best for: Minimalist quilters
Fabric tip: Low-volume background with bold accent color.

Super Easy Zig Zag Quilt

While colorful, this quilt can easily lean modern if you limit the palette and increase contrast. Scale plays a huge role here — bigger blocks feel more current.

Best for: Scrap lovers going modern
Fabric tip: Group scraps by color families to avoid visual chaos.

Herringbone Chevron Baby Quilt

This softer interpretation still feels modern thanks to clean construction and thoughtful color placement. It’s subtle but intentional.

Best for: Nursery décor
Fabric tip: Muted neutrals with one standout accent color.

Zig Zag Rail Fence

Rotating rail fence blocks to create zig zag movement gives you a modern feel without heavy triangle piecing. The structure feels orderly and balanced.

Best for: Fast weekend projects
Fabric tip: Alternate light and dark strips for clear definition.

Make This: Zig Zag Chevron Quilt

This quilt allows fabric to shine while maintaining strong geometry. The negative space makes it feel lighter and less crowded than traditional versions.

Best for: Modern scrap control
Fabric tip: Use solids as anchors between prints.

Modern Fuse Applique Zig Zag Quilt

Adding applique over zig zag piecing introduces texture without overwhelming the layout. It’s a hybrid technique that feels playful but still modern.

Best for: Creative experimentation
Fabric tip: Keep background neutral to let applique stand out.

How to Keep Your Zig Zag Quilt Looking Modern

If you want your zig zag quilt to feel fresh instead of traditional, focus on:

  • Value contrast over print variety
    • Bigger blocks over tiny repeats
    • White or low-volume backgrounds
    • Limited color palettes
    • Clean quilting lines (straight-line quilting works beautifully)

Modern quilting is less about complexity and more about intentional simplicity.

Zig zags are timeless — but with the right fabric and scale, they can feel completely current.