In this instructable I'll show you two ways to make chevron quilt blocks. The first way is a four square block - it's super easy for beginners! The second way is a 12 square chevron block that's a little trickier, but it looks very nice!

Best of all, these chevron quilt blocks are really easy to do with scrap fabric.

Step 1: Planning + What You'll Need

As you can see I made a badly sketched effort at outlining what I'd be sewing. :D

If you're not familiar with piecing, I'd have a look at my how to sew a quilt instructable - I won't be as in depth for this one.

For the four square block you need:

2 4x4 inch squares one color
2 4x4 inch squares of a second color

For the 12 square block you need:

4 3.5x3.5 inch squares of primary color
4 4x4 inch squares of primary color
4 4x4 inch squares of the stripe color

Any of the 4x4 inch squares will be cut in half diagonally. While I've used bold colors for all of mine, You can also use tans or whites for the background and random colors for the stripes. :)

You'll also want a cutting mat, rotary cutter, sewing machine and clear ruler for optimal awesomeness.

Step 2: Cutting the Fabrics

I like to cut mine in strips and then into squares - it makes it go a little faster. :)

Keep in mind that the pieces being kept as full squares are 3.5x3.5 inches, and the ones being cut into triangles should first be cut as 4x4 inch squares.

To cut the 4x4 inch squares into triangles, simply align a ruler from corner to corner and cut it with the rotary cutter.

Step 3: Assembling the Four Square Chevron Block

Remember that you'll be sewing with a 1/4 inch seam allowance on all seams.

Cut two squares of each color fabric in half diagonally so they form triangles. Assemble the triangles, right side up, in the order they're going in.
Fold over each pair of triangles in the squares so the right sides are facing.
Sew along the long sides.
Press the seams down with your fingers on the back. (not familiar with finger pressing? check here!)
Trim the corners of the squares you created by sewing together two triangles!
Sew the top two squares together, right sides facing.
Sew the bottom two squares together, right sides facing.
Finger press the seams you just sewed open.
Place the top and bottom pieces together, right sides facing. Make sure to line up the seams before sewing.
Press the whole piece using an iron.

Make sure to go through to photos for more explanation. :D

Step 4: Assembling the Twelve Square Chevron Block

This one is a little trickier because you're dealing with multiple square sizes and extra pieces, but it comes together pretty quick. :)

Cut out 4 3.5x3.5 inch squares on the primary color fabric.
Cut out 4 4x4 inch squares each of the primary and stripe fabric.
Cut each of the 4x4 inch squares in half diagonally.
Arrange the squares and triangles in the order they go in.
Fold over each pair of triangles in the squares so the right sides are facing.
Sew along the long sides.
Press the seams down with your fingers on the back. (not familiar with finger pressing? check here!)
Trim the corners of the squares you formed from triangles!
Working left to right, sew together the squares in each row.
Finger press the seams in each row.
Working top to bottom, sew together the rows. Make sure to line up the seams before sewing.
Press the whole piece. Feel fancy.

Step 5: Additional Info

Keep in mind that finished blocks should be trimmed if the edges are really off. (For example, the edges of the individual squares don't line up and have at least a 1/8 inch difference.)

Do not trim them excessively, though! The left and right edges of these blocks will be a little wonky because they are meant to be sewn to other blocks, and will therefore lose 1/4 of an inch and start looking nicer. :)

Also, a note about pinning:
as I quilt more and more I pin less. If you want exact seams and for everything to line up perfectly, pinning is the right thing to do, especially when sewing together rows or columns.

And remember to press! You want the backs of your blocks to be nice and neat.