Chevron pillow tutorial

I’d like to share with you how to make applique chevrons to add to any sewing project.  Read on for the step-by-step.
The measurements I used for my pillow are 10.5”w x 15.5”l but the length is really up to you.  In order for you to have even distribution of the chevron pattern 10.5” is used for the width of the pillow and each zig-zag is 3” wide.  These are cut measurements. 

Cut out 2 rectangles for the pillow (10.5”w x 15.5”l) and 3 strips for the chevron (3”w x 15.5”l.)  Then along the long side of your strips, you’ll cut 1.5” slits from the edge to the exact middle every 1.5” alternating sides.  Try to be as exact as possible on this step.  See the picture below*.

*One the long side measure 1.5” on the left, then down another 1.5” on the right, then down another 1.5” on the left, then on the right and so on… Alternate sides every 1.5”

After you get all your slits cut, you’ll spread them open creating triangles and press them with your iron.  Make sure you have the fabric wrong side up.  You’ll see why you want to be pretty precise in this step. 

Tip: It made things much easier when I sprayed the fabric with spray starch before ironing the triangles. It helped hold the fabric in place and made it stay pressed when moving the pieces around during placement.

After you have all your chevron pieces, lay them out on one of your pillow rectangles spacing them 1.5” apart being sure to leave adequate room for seam allowance.


Now carefully sew each edge, lifting your presser foot to pivot at each corner.

Once all the stitching is done, you can now sew up your pillow right sides together leaving a gap for turning right-side out and stuffing.  You can then close up the gap by machine or hand.


Congrats!  You did it!  I hope my instructions were easy to understand and not too confusing.  Hopefully you’ll find other creative ways to use the chevron pattern, too!
Happy Sewing!