What is “on point”?

Details

When quilters talk about a quilt being “on point”, they are referring to the layout of the blocks.

Traditionally, quilt blocks were arranged in rows and columns. Sometimes they had strips of fabric in between them, but rows and columns was the most common arrangement. 

Today, many quilts are still put together in this way.

But if you turn the blocks 45°, a square block becomes a diamond.

If you layout a quilt with all the blocks turned like this, it is called “on point”.

This layout can give a lot of fun effects and make blocks look totally different. It is also a nice way to showcase embroidery or appliqué.

To assemble a quilt this way, you will still join the blocks together in rows, but the rows will go diagonally instead of horizontally. If you want to learn how to that, I have a full tutorial with detailed instructions.

Joining blocks on point is a little bit trickier, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. So if you see a quilt pattern that arranges blocks “on point”, give it a try.

More Quilting Tips

See more quilting hacks and quick answers to your questions HERE.