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For square quilt blocks, compare a straight setting, a straight setting with sashing or alternate blocks, and an on-point setting. Straight settings keep blocks aligned with the quilt edges; on-point settings rotate them 45 degrees so they appear as diamonds. Choose by the visual effect you want and the cutting and alignment work your layout requires, and audition your actual blocks before cutting.
At a glance: which setting should you choose?
| Setting | Visual effect | What changes in construction | Good choice when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight, block to block | Blocks meet directly; their edges may form larger motifs | Join blocks in horizontal rows and vertical columns | You want neighboring blocks to interact |
| Straight with setting squares | Plain units separate the main blocks | Alternate the blocks with plain squares | You want spacing without adding another pieced design |
| Straight with alternate blocks | Adds a second block design to the layout | Other quilt blocks take the place of plain setting squares | You want more pattern variety |
| Straight with sashing | Frames or separates blocks; can create a lattice | Place strips between blocks; strips may meet at cornerstone squares | You want separation or a visible framework |
| On point | Diagonal rhythm; square blocks appear as diamonds | Arrange blocks diagonally and plan side and corner setting triangles | You want diagonal movement and are ready to plan the perimeter |
1. Straight setting: the simplest arrangement
In a straight setting, blocks are arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, with their edges parallel to the quilt edges. Blocks can meet directly, or the layout can include setting squares, alternate blocks, or sashing.
When blocks meet directly, their corners and edges interact. A larger motif may emerge as the blocks are joined; as American Patchwork & Quilting Editors note, “Often, a secondary design will reveal itself as the blocks are stitched in place.”
When block-to-block setting works well
- The blocks are finished to a consistent size.
- You want neighboring block edges to contribute to the design.
- You want to avoid adding separate setting units.
Consider orientation before sewing. Rotating asymmetrical blocks can change the overall design, so lay them out and record their intended direction.
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2. Straight setting with setting squares
Setting squares are plain squares placed between the main blocks in a straight layout. They provide visual separation without requiring a second pieced block design. Their fabric can blend into the background or make the grid more prominent.
Setting squares add units to the layout, so plan their number and finished size before cutting.
3. Straight setting with alternate blocks
Alternate blocks are other quilt blocks placed among the main blocks, in positions where a layout might otherwise use plain setting squares. They introduce a second design and can create a more varied pattern.
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4. Straight setting with sashing
Sashing is made of fabric strips placed between blocks. It can separate individual blocks or frame groups. Strips may run continuously between blocks, or meet at square cornerstones to form a lattice.
Continuous sashing
Continuous sashing creates horizontal and vertical lines between blocks. Its width and fabric affect how strongly those lines read in the quilt.
Sashing with cornerstones
Cornerstones are squares at sashing intersections. They may match the sashing, contrast with it, or contain a small design. Electric Quilt’s on-point layout guide also illustrates layouts with and without sashing.
What to consider before adding sashing
Sashing separates blocks, but can interrupt a design formed where neighboring blocks meet. Try placing paper strips between sample blocks to see how the spacing changes the layout. Measure the finished blocks and plan consistent sashing widths and intersections.
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5. On-point or diagonal setting
An on-point setting rotates square blocks 45 degrees so they appear as diamonds. The blocks are arranged in diagonal rows; the layout may include sashing or omit it. Open spaces around the perimeter are filled with side-setting triangles and corner-setting triangles, which occupy different positions and are not interchangeable.
What to plan for
- Check that the block still looks right when rotated.
- Plan the diagonal rows and perimeter triangles for the finished block size and chosen method.
- Check the pattern’s seam allowance and cutting instructions before cutting; triangle cutting dimensions depend on the method.
Fat Quarter Shop’s on-point setting chart distinguishes a traditional method from its own cutting method and gives separate guidance for side and corner triangles. Treat it as a reference, not a universal formula; follow your pattern’s method and verify dimensions against your finished blocks.
How to find a secondary design
A secondary design is a larger motif created by the interaction of blocks, their rotation, or the units between them. It may be planned or become visible as blocks are arranged together.
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- Try plausible rotations, especially for asymmetrical blocks, and record the arrangement.
- Compare a straight layout with an on-point layout if the blocks suit rotation.
- Test setting squares or sashing separately to see how added spacing changes the pattern.
- Step back or photograph the layout to judge its overall effect.
- Check that the layout works at the quilt edges before cutting.
A practical workflow for choosing a setting
- Inspect the blocks. Check whether they are square, rectangular, directional, or asymmetrical, and measure their finished sizes.
- Choose the visual priority. Decide whether to emphasize block interaction, separation, a second block design, or diagonal movement.
- Make sample layouts. Compare block-to-block with a layout using setting squares, alternate blocks, or sashing. Test on-point if rotation suits the blocks.
- Check color and value. Look at the arrangement from a distance and see whether the setting fabric or sashing dominates.
- Plan added units. Count and measure setting squares, alternate blocks, sashing, cornerstones, and any setting triangles required by the layout.
- Record the arrangement. Photograph or sketch block order and orientation before sewing.
- Assemble in planned units. Organize straight rows or diagonal rows and their perimeter triangles, and check alignment as you sew.
Planning and cutting tools
Quilt-layout software can help compare arrangements, including on-point layouts with or without sashing; Electric Quilt’s layout guide shows these options. For cutting, an acrylic quilting ruler is an optional tool for measuring and rotary cutting. American Patchwork & Quilting Editors discuss quilting rulers; use a consistent measuring tool throughout a project and follow safe rotary-cutter practices.
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Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing from one block alone: arrange several to see how the pattern develops.
- Ignoring direction: an asymmetrical block may look different when rotated.
- Adding sashing automatically: first check whether block edges create a motif you want to keep.
- Confusing perimeter triangles: side-setting and corner-setting triangles have different positions and cutting requirements.
- Cutting before confirming dimensions: use the finished block size and the instructions for your chosen method.
- Planning only the center: check how the arrangement meets the quilt edges.
FAQ
What is a straight quilt setting?
A straight setting places blocks in horizontal rows and vertical columns, with their edges parallel to the quilt edges. Blocks may touch or be separated by setting squares, alternate blocks, or sashing.
What is the difference between setting squares and alternate blocks?
Setting squares are plain squares placed between the main blocks. Alternate blocks are other quilt blocks placed among them to add another design.
When should I use sashing between quilt blocks?
Use sashing when you want to separate blocks or create a visible framework. Test it with your layout first, because it can interrupt a motif formed by blocks meeting directly.
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What does on point mean in quilting?
On point means square blocks are rotated 45 degrees so they appear as diamonds and are arranged in diagonal rows. The perimeter requires planned side-setting and corner-setting triangles.
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How do I cut setting triangles for an on-point quilt?
Use the cutting method and seam allowance specified by your pattern, and confirm the finished block size. Published charts can use different methods and give different cutting dimensions, so do not treat one chart as a universal rule.
How can I test a quilt setting before sewing?
Arrange several finished blocks, try different orientations and spacing, then photograph or sketch the options. Check the overall design and the quilt edges before cutting added units.
Bottom line
Straight settings let blocks meet directly; setting squares, alternate blocks, and sashing add different kinds of separation or variety. On-point settings create diagonal movement and require planning for perimeter triangles. Compare layouts with your actual blocks and follow the cutting method specified for your project.
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