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on-point quilts

How to Piece Diagonal Blocks and Rows in an On-Point Quilt

Arrange blocks in diagonal rows, add side triangles, nest alternating seam allowances, then attach the corner triangles after joining the rows.

By ThatPainter Team 2 min read
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To piece an on-point quilt, arrange the blocks in diagonal rows, sew each row with side setting triangles at its ends, join the rows in pairs, then add the corner triangles. Press neighboring rows in opposite directions and pin their seam intersections to keep the joins aligned.

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Arrange the on-point layout before sewing

Lay out the blocks and setting squares in diagonal rows, following the quilt design. If the pattern uses sashing, place it between the blocks now. Add the side and corner setting triangles to the layout so you can check their orientation before stitching.

Keep the triangles’ straight-grain edges along the quilt’s outside perimeter. This helps reduce stretching, distortion, and sagging at the edges. Some quilters cut setting triangles 1/2 inch to 1 inch larger than required and trim them after piecing; this is optional, not a requirement.

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Sew the diagonal rows

Join the blocks and side triangles

  1. With right sides together and raw edges aligned, sew the blocks in each diagonal row. Include sashing between blocks if the design calls for it.
  2. Sew a side setting triangle to each end of the row. Leave the corner setting triangles off; they are attached after the rows are assembled.
  3. Press the seam allowances in alternating directions from one row to the next. For example, press odd-numbered rows to the right and even-numbered rows to the left. The allowances can then nest when you join adjacent rows.

Match intersections and join the rows

Align the seams before stitching

Place neighboring rows right sides together. Pin at each matching seam intersection, nesting the opposing seam allowances, then pin between those points as needed. Align the raw edges and sew the rows together.

A little easing can help bring the edges into line, but do not force a substantial mismatch. If one row is noticeably longer or shorter, check that the blocks are squared and the seam allowances are consistent; correct a seam if necessary before joining the rows.

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Reduce pulling while sewing

Join the quilt center in manageable sections: sew rows in pairs, then join the pairs. Keep the seam allowances on top and facing away from you as you guide the rows, so the seams butt together. If pulling while sewing distorts the center, stitch one row from left to right and the next from right to left.

Attach the corner triangles and trim

Once the rows are joined, sew the corner setting triangles to the quilt center. Press the seam allowances toward the corner triangles. If you cut the triangles oversized, trim the excess while preserving a 1/4-inch seam allowance beyond the block corners. Trim loose threads and dog-ears as you finish.

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Source

This sequence is adapted from American Patchwork & Quilting Editors’ tutorial, “How to: Piece Diagonal Blocks and Rows”, published June 14, 2013.

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