Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

Product review: Lapel Stick for quilters

by

A tool that makes the process of quilting easier often gets a permanent spot in my sewing basket. I just tried out a new product that shows promise to take up residence there. It’s a fabric marker called Lapel Stick. The makers sent me some samples and asked me to review the stick as a tool for quilters. I was more than happy to give it a try.

I wanted to see if the Lapel Stick would adequately hold down appliques on a throw size quilt top I was making – long enough to get it to the quilter to do a raw edge and quilt it at the same time. Beforehand, I took a pink block (Kaffe Fassett shot cotton I was using in the quilt) and glued it down to a base square of cotton fabric and left it alone overnight. The next day it was still holding. Best of all when I lifted the pink block off it did not leave behind any fabric fibers – good since you don’t want to stress your fibers. See photo above right.

Next I tested a blue block using what I had on hand so the results are not going to be comparing apples to apples, but we are in the fruit family. I used a small amount of Elmers All Purpose Glue Stick to get the blue square (also shot cotton) onto the white base fabric and left it until the next day. When I lifted the blue block up it did leave some fibers behind. See photo above right. I did finally find a Fabric Glue Stick by Prym-Dritz in my sewing room. I brought it into the testing loop. As you would expect, it did not grab hold of the fibers as much as the Elmers but surprisingly it did grab some – much more than the Lapel Stick. Further, for designing purposes, I found the Lapel Stick glue more forgiving of changes as I moved pieces around (we quilters call it auditioning fabrics).

As I had planned, I used the Lapel Stick adhesive and the Prym-Drytz fabric glue stick for holding down the appliques I made from the pink and blue shot cotton fabrics on the quilt top. With a lighter hold, the Lapel Stick kept the appliques down better than the Prym-Drytz fabric glue stick. I’m a fan.

Here is the quilt top in progress. When finished it’s going to a Mathematics teacher as a gift from her 4th grade students. By the way, the center pattern is Love Emblem by Anna Maria Horner. I will do a later post to give away two Lapel Sticks for a lucky reader to try.

Comments

  1. I had read that I was one of the winners for the Lapel Stick. I believe it was the day after the winners were announced, I wrote in the comments asking what I should do and where to send my address but never heard back. As of today, I haven’t received the Lapel Stick, either. Now what?

  2. Hi Chris,
    Can you forgive me? I went back and checked my emails and I did put two Lapel Sticks in the mail and one was to a Christina. But it was not to you Chris, the rightful winner. I messed up. I will email you directly so you can give me your physical address, then I will get one of the Lapel Sticks in the mail to you pronto. Again, please accept my apologies. –Scarlett

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.