Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

Sew a Zigzag Foldover Quilted Clutch

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Ashley Nickels demonstrates how to piece the zigzag patchwork for the exterior of the bag, create an interior pocket and lining, and finish it off with a zipper in this foldover clutch. This project is simple to execute and suitable for beginners in both sewing and quilting.

In this engaging video tutorial, Ashley Nickels, a talented sewing and quilting enthusiast, takes you through the step-by-step process of creating a stunning foldover clutch. The project is designed to be simple and accessible, making it an ideal choice for beginners in both sewing and quilting.

Ashley starts by demonstrating how to piece the zigzag patchwork for the exterior of the bag. With clear instructions and helpful tips, she guides you through the process, ensuring that you achieve precise and beautiful results. The zigzag pattern adds a modern and eye-catching touch to the clutch, making it a fashionable accessory for any occasion.

Moving on to the interior, Ashley shows you how to create an interior pocket and lining. She explains the importance of these elements in adding functionality and organization to the clutch. By following her instructions, you’ll learn valuable techniques for constructing pockets and attaching linings, allowing you to personalize your clutch to suit your needs.

To give the clutch a polished and professional finish, Ashley demonstrates how to add a zipper. Zippers can sometimes be intimidating, but with her expert guidance, you’ll gain confidence in working with them. Ashley’s clear explanations and helpful tricks will ensure that you achieve a seamless zipper insertion, giving your clutch a stylish and secure closure.

Throughout the tutorial, Ashley’s friendly and approachable teaching style creates an inviting learning environment. She patiently breaks down each step, providing valuable tips and troubleshooting advice along the way. With her guidance, you’ll not only complete a beautiful foldover clutch but also develop fundamental sewing and quilting skills that you can apply to future projects.

So, whether you’re a novice eager to dive into the world of sewing and quilting or an experienced maker looking for a quick and satisfying project, Ashley Nickels’ tutorial is sure to inspire and guide you. Grab your fabric, sewing machine, and enthusiasm, and embark on this delightful journey of creating your own foldover clutch.

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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.