--===Setting Quilt Blocks Together===--
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                       -===Settings for Quilt Blocks===-
 
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_Summary of Ideas form Quiltnet and quilt.rec.quilting_

 Date: Fri, 22 Jul 1994 13:50:00
 From: Monica
 _Subject: Alternate Blocks (summary)_

 A while ago, I asked for some advice about alternate plain blocks in a quilt
where all the blocks were on point. I asked if those alternate blocks should
be cut on the bias, so the straight of grain would be parallel to the sides of
the quilt.

 The overwhelming concensus was to cut all the interior blocks on the straight
grain. This saves fabric and gives a better look to the quilt. It also
minimizes the number of bias edges you have to sew in the first place.

 The big problem is the edges if there are "half" blocks, which mean the bias
is on the edge. This makes for a stretchy side. There are two ways to deal
with this. One way is to cut out the end blocks on the bias (and be careful
how you join them to the other blocks since you'll be working with bias
edges). This means that the edge will be the straight of grain and not
stretch. The other method is to cut the fill triangles on the straight, just
like the rest of the blocks but to be careful with the edges. Then when
everything is put together, "seal" the edges with a narrow strip prior to
adding the border. Or, just be very careful with the edges and take lots of
center and diagonal measurements to be sure the quilt remains square. After
all, the backing fabric is straight, and if you quilt enough, that will
stabilize it.

 Thanks for all the advice, folks. I bought the background fabric last weekend
(at a quilting store!). Now I'm still searching for that perfect blue.....

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 Date: Mon, 1 Aug 1994 08:54:17 CDT
 From: Kathy
 Subject: On-point settings

 I like diagonal sets for quilts and tend to set my quilt blocks on-point.
This leaves the edge of the quilt zig-zagged. The traditional solution is to
cut triangles half the size of the blocks and set them in the edges give the
sides a straight edge. It's also my least favorite solution. There are two
other methods I like to use to finish up the quilt:
 1. I like to cut arcs that fit the edge triangles. I cut a block of
background fabric the same size as the quilt blocks. Then, using a string and
pencil, draw an arc from one corner to the opposite corner, and cut the arc
allowing for seam allowance. When these are set in the edge, you have a
perfect scalloped edge that is easily bound with bias binding. You can either
leave the corners alone or set a half circle in the corners.
 2. Sew a wide border under the zig-zags. Leave some of the points out on top
of the border and cut some straight off. It's a more whimsical approach that
looks like the quilt is trying to escape its contraints, especially if the
points that overlap the border are picked at random.

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 Date: Mon, 1 Aug 1994 12:44:15 MDT
 From: Fiona
 Subject: On-point settings

 Kathy was mentioning that she doesn't like to fill in her on-point quilts
with half-squares. (Nifty ideas for alternatives, BTW Kathy!) The tricky thing
about using the half-squares is getting them to match and then line up along
the edge of the quilt so that you don't cut off the points or miss them by a
mile when you add the next border or binding. Here's a neat trick.....cut the
squares oversized so that the resulting filler triangles stick out way beyond
the usual sewing line. Then when you add your border or binding pick a place
several inches further out from where the points meet. This way any
discrepancies in where your points line up is hidden and your quilt design
ends up "floating" because of the extra background fabric all the way around.
And bonus...you don't get all stressed out when adding the next border or
binding because there are no points to match. :^) 
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