First, there are several sizes of chevron as well as colors.
For most of my applique work, I prefer to work with the small chevron. Remember, the larger the chevron, the less often it repeats. So, on smaller applique designs, the small chevron pattern will repeat more frequently and have more of an impact.
Here is the frequency of pattern repeat for each size:
Small: horizontal repeat = 1" vertical repeat = 1"
Medium: horizontal repeat = 2" vertical repeat = 2"
Large: horizontal repeat = 4" vertical repeat = 4"
(pictures and measurements are from Riley Blake)
After deciding on the size...you have the tough choice of picking what color you want. I'll take one of each, please. Most of the basic colors come in an alternating white chevron pattern or a tone on tone chevron pattern. Both of these can make your applique design feel different. I think the tone on tone is a little more subdued...where the white chevron make more of a bold statement. Again...both are great and I will still take one of each. Ha!
But don't settle for just the basic colors of the rainbow...there are now multi-color chevrons! Check out the picture below for just a few examples. I know I will be using the Halloween and Christmas chevron in some of my fall designs...and they have lots of color combos perfect for football season! Any Auburn/Alabama divided houses out there? Check out the orange/blue/crimson/grey chevron! Perfect.
Have you made your wish list yet? Good...now let's get shopping.
I am going to share a handful of places to buy chevron. But...before I go on...please understand this is a very small list...there are LOTS of places to get your hands on this super fun fabric. But, if you hit a wall and just can't find it anywhere...I hope some of these links will help.
My first stop is usually Etsy. I just typed in "chevron fabric fat quarter" and got 1713 results. That should keep me stocked for while, don't you think? I have ordered from Half Stitched before and received my fabric very fast! I have also been impressed with the selection at The Fabric Shoppe.
But again, there are so many out there...so just have fun looking...mark a few as your favorite...then make a decision. I have always enjoyed my Etsy experience...but be sure to check a seller's feedback before ordering.
Next up...fabric/quilting stores. Being able to shop in person is wonderful...but the next best thing is a great online store! Here are a few of my go-to online fabric shops:
* TJ Fabrics: they have a lot of assorted fat quarter bundles perfect for applique!
* The Smockingbird: this shop is in my hometown and I always try to stop in and say hello when I am in town...and 9 times out of 10 I leave with a bag of new fabric! They have chevron and also have a great selection of auburn/alabama prints come football season.
* The Sewing Room: I visited this store for the first time last fall and stocked up on chevron...and got matching embroidery thread at the same time!
All of the above are in Alabama...which is where I grew up so I guess I am biased...but I do think they are great fabric/sewing resources!
And here are some of our recent designs that I tested using chevron fabric. It's bold...it's fun...and it's in!
What will you make with chevron?
Do you have a great chevron resource? Please share in the comments below!
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