More Triangles in Quilts: On-Point Sets

Setting a quilt on point is not as hard as is thought. To set blocks together on point, requires several setting triangles — the triangles which are needed at the edge to get the quilt to have straight sides.

The triangles along the borders in this detail are quarter-square triangles.

Enjoy the tutorial!

Psst! It's Really a Straight Set!

Setting blocks into an on point set is simple once you understand that it really starts out as a straight set.

The ends of each row have triangles attached, but you need to establish whether they are quarter- or half-square triangles

Psst! It's really a straight set!

Setting blocks into an on point set is simple once you understand that it really starts out as a straight set.

The ends of each row have triangles attached, but you need to establish whether they are quarter- or half-square triangles

There or Not?

The ends of each row in an on point set have triangles attached, but you need to establish whether they are quarter- or half-square triangles.

To do this, you can use what I call an imaginary square at the sides of the quilt.

The pink lines in the diagrams are the sides of the imaginary squares and they allow you to calculate the size of the squares to cut for the setting triangles.

What Kind Are They?

In the corner triangle above there are two straight grains at the edge of the quilt, so the triangles must be:

Half-Square Triangles

Refresh yourself about the rules for half-square triangles by reading this hub:

Two Needed For This Set

At the sides of this layout there are triangles which have only one straight grain at the side of the quilt so they must be: quarter-square triangles.

If you have not already looked at The rules for cutting these triangles hub (link above), refresh yourself by reading about these important rules.

In Our Set

What kind are these triangles?

That's a Snap!

The calculations are now the same as when you want to set a block on point. (Blocks on point)

1. You need the diagonal measurement of the imaginary square at the corner for the four corner triangles.
2. Cut two squares in the required size, according to the rule for half-square triangles, and then cut these in half diagonally to give four corner triangles.
3. You need the diagonal measurement of the imaginary square at the side for the side triangles.
4. Cut one square in the required size, according to the rule for quarter-square triangles, and cut the square with an X to give four side triangles. For this quilt, you will have two left over, but not always.

To sew an on point set quilt together is sew simple.

Once you understand that it really starts out as a straight set, setting blocks into an on point set is simple .

First, you sew your rows together as always.

In our set, we need:

• Row 1: One ¼ square Δ, two blocks
• Row 2: Three blocks
• Row 3: Two blocks, one ¼ square Δ

Sew the three rows together.

Now the top is ready to have the half-square corner triangles attached.

Turn the assembled quilt top (yellow area) one-quarter turn to the left, attach the corners, and...

Voila!

In order to sew the triangles exactly where they should go:

1. Fold the triangle in half, so that the points are together.
2. Finger press a crease at the half-way point on the long (diagonal) side of the triangle.
3. Fold the corner block in half and finger press a crease at the centre.
4. Match these marks and pin, continue to pin together along the edge of the block.

Now your triangle is centred on the block.

Perhaps you can work out which type of triangles are used to set this one together?

Read more about this quilt...

Jan T will be happy to answer any queries you may have