Between the Lines QAL: Pattern 7/9 – Row 1 Zig Zag Stack

There we go again! Today, we’re diving into foundation paper piecing in a long row. We’ll be working on part 7 of the Between the Lines QAL, Row 1: Zig Zag Stack.

Only three more rows to go! And you’re doing great! I see so many beautiful rows popping up on Instagram and Facebook. It’s amazing to see quilters from all over the world creating this quilt together.

Ready for the next part? Here we go!

Live video

In this blog post, you’ll find all the written instructions. Tomorrow, November 22 at 4 PM (CET), we’ll have another Between the Lines QAL live video on YouTube. We’ve already discussed the FPP technique. In this video, I’ll focus mainly on the details: how to ensure the row is the correct length, what to do if it isn’t, and how to perfectly align the points of the zigzag.

You can already post your questions about this row, the previous row, or the quilt along in general in the video comments. I’ll address them during the live session.

Reading this blog after November 22? No problem! You can watch the recording of the video at your leisure.

New here?

We started the Between the Lines QAL on June 6. It’s a quilt along where we make a row together every four weeks. We’re working with different techniques: Foundation Paper Piecing, quarter circles, traditional patchwork, and strip piecing (sewing and cutting strips).

Would you like to join? Read everything about the QAL in this blog post!

Want to order a kit with all the materials for this quilt? Order a Rainbow Kit or a Blue-Green Kit in the Sugaridoo webshop.

Materials

In the patterns, I create two versions of the quilt: the rainbow and the blue-green quilt. I’ll indicate which fabrics to use for each version. Of course, you’re free to make the quilt with any fabric you like.

Rainbow Quilt

• Light pink
• Accents in various shades of pink
• Accents in dark gray
• Background fabric

Blue-Green Quilt

• Light green with triangles
• Accents in various shades of green
• Accents in dark gray
• Background fabric

Before we begin

Today, we’ll be working with foundation paper piecing (FPP) on tea bag paper. We also used this technique for Row 6, When the Stars Align.

If you prefer a different FPP technique, feel free to use it. The final result will look the same whether you use freezer paper, tea bag paper, or regular printer paper.

I personally choose tea bag paper for this row because I can draw a long strip on it. This way, I can make an entire row only three pieces of tea bag paper.

Two methods

You can create this row of the Between the Lines QAL in different ways. I’ll discuss two methods and provide the patterns for each. You can choose whichever method you prefer.

• Create three long rows and sew them together,

• OR make five blocks and sew them together.

Both methods result in the same final look. The second method (blocks) has slightly more seams but avoids working with very long strips. Both methods use the same pattern.

Download the pattern

Always print the pattern at 100% or “actual size.” Check the inch marking to ensure it’s printed correctly.

Download the Zig Zag Stack pattern

This pattern just fits on the page. For A4 printers in the EU, this won’t be a problem. If you’re using Letter paper and your printer cuts off the edges slightly, redraw the lines to ensure strips measure 2 x 10 1/2 inches.

Method 1: Long Rows

To create long strips, transfer the pattern onto tea bag paper strips of approximately 3 x 54 inches. Trace the pattern, then move the tea bag paper and continue tracing.

Turn piece 1 and 13 into a triangle so you create a continues pattern.

You’ll need to trace the pattern 5 times, to a total length of 52 1/2 inch excl. seam allowance. 

If you’d rather work with printer paper, print the pattern five times. Tape the patterns together into three long strips. Be cautious with tape when ironing. Washi tape is a better option for attaching the paper pieces.

Cutting

For the rows, you’ll need the following. Feel free to adjust how many accent pieces you use.

• Piece A:
  • 39 x in light pink (light green)
  • 5 x in other pink (other green)
  • 2 x in dark gray
• Piece B:
  • 38 x in light pink (light green)
  • 5 x in other pink (other green)
  • 1 x in dark gray
• Piece C:
  • 87 x in background fabric
• Piece D:
  • 3 x in background fabric
• Piece E:
  • 3 x in background fabric

To cut pieces A and B efficiently, first cut strips 1 1/2 inches wide. Then, cut pieces A and B from these strips.

Sewing Method 1

Once your pattern and fabric are ready, start sewing. Begin on one side and sew all the triangles and strips until you reach the other side.

It’s a very long strip. I roll up the strip and secure it with a pin. This makes it much easier to handle while sewing.

Want the colors to match the example exactly? Print out the illustration of the row and keep it next to your sewing machine for reference. You can check off each section as you sew.

To print the row:

• Right-click on the image of the row above.
• Select “Open image in new tab.”
• Press Ctrl+P to print it.

I set the paper orientation to landscape and adjusted the scale so the row fit neatly on one sheet of paper.

When all the pieces are sewn to the strip, trim it to size. Including the seam allowance, the strip should measure 2 1/2 x 53 inches.

After finishing all three strips, sew them together. Be sure to carefully align all the points. This row offers a great opportunity to practice precise alignment and sewing of all the points.

Sometimes, the points will line up perfectly.

And sometimes, the points might be slightly off.

As you can see, also for me, it’s not always perfect. But the more you practice, the better you’ll get.

Press the seams between the strips open, and your nest row in the Between the Lines QAL is complete!

Method 2: Sewing Blocks

If you’d rather not deal with such long strips, you can make five individual blocks instead.

Print the pattern sheet five times.

Cutting

To create the blocks, you’ll need the following pieces. Feel free to play around with how many accent pieces you include in each row.

Piece A

• 39 x in Light Pink (Light Green)
• 5 x in another shade of pink (another green)
• 2 x in Dark Gray

Piece B

• 38 x in Light Pink (Light Green)
• 5 x in another shade of pink (another green)
• 1 x in Dark Gray

Piece C

• 75 x in Background Fabric

Piece D

• 15 x in Background Fabric

Piece E

• 15 x in Background Fabric

Sewing Method 2

With your patterns printed and fabric pieces cut, you can begin.

Start by making 15 short rows. These rows will measure 2 1/2 x 11 inches, including the seam allowance.

When all the short rows are finished, sew them together in groups of three to create blocks.

Pay close attention to the alignment of the points. This row provides an excellent chance to practice aligning and sewing FPP sections precisely.

Once you’ve completed five blocks, sew them together to form a single long row measuring 6 1/2 inches high by 53 inches long (including seam allowance).

Do you want your colors to match the example exactly? Print out the row and keep it next to your sewing machine to check off each piece as you sew.

To print the row:

• Right-click on the image above.
• Select “Open image in new tab.”
• Press Ctrl+P to print it.

I set the paper to landscape orientation and adjusted the scale so the row fits neatly on a single sheet of paper.

Coming Up Next in Between the Lines QAL

On December 19, we’ll begin the 8th part of the QAL. Be sure to mark your calendar for the next live video on December 20 at 4:00 PM!

Enjoy creating this row!

Best wishes,
Irene