elementary question, but stumped!
 

I am trying to make a chevron style quilt without a pattern. Just saw a picture and thought I could do it. My 5 inch HST look perfect, but when I try to sew them together, the seam allowance means they don't line up right. I have read people trim their HST down to get the size they want, but will this fix the problem? I am sure there is a simple solution, but ??? it eludes me, and no one to ask right now......

I usually go to Jenny Doan Videos at MSQC. She usually uses the charm packs, 5", size for chevron. Check her chevron quilt.

If your triangles are perfect, then you should be all set. If you are not sure, then double check the measurements and make sure they are all square, the same size, and that the seam winds up perfectly in the 2 opposite corners.
Remember when you sew the 2 HSTs together, the point of the new triangle is going to be 1/4" away from the edge, not right at the edge.
here is one (of many) tutorials. It has a good picture of how the 2HSTs should look when sewn together with the point a quarter inch from the edge:
http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/12/easy-chevron-quilt/

I oversize my HST. Cut 5" squares, stitch diagonally (1/4" on each side of middle line), then cut them in half. When I press them, I starch them then trim them to exact 4.5" to give you a finished size of 4". I just made these for a charity quilt. Mine blocks are 3" finished.

I saw a video on CreativeBug.com with Kaffe Fasset & he just uses a 60 degree diamond ruler. I love that idea because it means not having to match up all those triangles.

Thank you, one and all. I watched that Craftsy easy chevron tute and will look at all the others. I joined my 2 blocks I have so far and I think it's going to work out. First time for everything. THANKS!

I am on my third chevron quilt for my grandchildren and I do the same as ManiacQuilter2....cut 5" squares, sew 1/4" either side of the diagonal mid line, cut along the midline, press and trim to 4.5" HST. I sew 4 HST together which will give me an 8.5" chevron. Chevrons when sewn together for my top are a final measurement of 8". Look forward to pictures of yours.

It's probably too late now, but it's much easier to make a chevron quilt out of rectangles instead of triangles.

http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2...ithout_30.html

I made mine scrappy.

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Beautiful quilt Peckish! Love the chevron look in a quilt! Makes me want to make one now!

Went to site....don't want to pay $60 to it........