Today I’m sharing my charm square on point quilt pattern with you, every step including binding to complete it. On point quilt patterns are visually stunning and such a fun quilting design. On point is when traditional quilt blocks are rotated diagonally to create a whole new look and feel to your pattern. This style of quilt can seem intimidating and very hard to do, but with the right steps, it’s achievable for quilters of all skill levels. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this free charm square on point quilt pattern.
On Point Quilt Patterns
Are you ready to embark on a quilting journey that will not only challenge you but also yield a breathtaking quilt on point pattern with 12 points on each side? Well, grab your 4″ charm squares, and let’s get started on this charming quilt!
For best results, please read the entire post before you begin this project. If you are new to quilting, make sure you check out How to Learn How to Quilt: Beginners Quilting Guide. It’s jam packed with useful information and resources. New quilters are always wondering what they can make. This is a good project once you have made several quilts with basic layout. If you’ve been quilting for a while but are bored making the same old quilts, give this pattern a try. You will learn a new design technique and it will reignite your quilting mojo. Ready to get started, fabric info on my sample is listed below.
On Point Quilt Pattern – Patchwork Info
This patchwork charm square on point quilt is made with 4″ squares in print and background fabrics. Finished quilt measures 61 1/2″ x 61 1/2″, it’s the perfect size throw for an adult. Not too big, not too small. The fabric pictured in this on point quilt is from two layer cakes by Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree Quilts Pumpkins & Blossoms and Strawberries & Rhubarb. Background fabric is a mix of Muslin Natural and Kona Bone 100% cotton. Backing main fabric is Bee Ginghams Kassidy Coral by Lori Holt of Riley Blake Designs and one 8″ strip of Muslin Natural fabric to give it some character. Binding fabric is Bee Ginghams (same as backing fabric). These colors work well for fall and winter holidays, she’s a real beauty.
Charm Square On Point Quilt Pattern – Cutting Instructions
Supplies You Will Need
- Fabric: Choose a variety of fabrics for your squares. You will need 4 – 5″ charm pack prints and or 1 – 10″ layer cake. Trim to 4″ squares.
- Background Fabric: 2 yards of background fabric in standard width. This fabric will create the background for your quilt blocks, borders and will also be used for setting triangles.
- Sewing Machine: A standard sewing machine will work perfectly.
- Thread: Select a thread color that complements your fabric.
- Rotary Cutter and Mat: These tools are essential for precise cutting.
- Quilting Ruler: Make sure your ruler has clear measurements for accurate cuts.
- Iron and Ironing Board: Necessary for pressing seams.
- Quilt Batting: This provides warmth and thickness to your quilt.
- Backing and Binding Fabric: 5 yards of fabric for backing and binding in standard width.
CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS:
156 – 4″ x 4″ squares (print fabric)
121 – 4″ x 4″ squares (background fabric)
22 – 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ squares for setting triangles (background fabric)
2 – 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ square for setting corners (background fabric)
8 – 2 1/2″ x WOF strips for border (background fabric)
8 – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ strips for binding (backing fabric)
4 1/2 yards standard WOF backing (backing fabric)
If you are new to quilting and want to know how to cut fabric for quilting then check out How to Cut Fabric For Quilting Easy and Accurate.
Finished charm square on point quilt measures 61 1/2″ x 61 1/2″.
Charm Square On Point Quilt – Free Pattern
General Information – On Point Quilt Pattern
Here are the steps for each row of the quilt. There are 23 rows, each quilt side has 12 print square points. First row and last row have one print charm square. The rows will increase up to the middle and then decrease to the final row.
Step 1: Sew Quilt Rows
When you sew a quilt row, a print square will always be the first and last square in the row with backgrounds in between. A background square will never start a row. The row list below tells you how many print and background squares are needed for each row. This is also the order you lay out the rows diagonally. Please refer to the quilt top above as a reference.
- One print square (R1)
- Two print squares, one background square (R2)
- Three print squares, two background squares (R3)
- Four print squares, three background squares (R4)
- Five print squares, four background squares (R5)
- Six print squares, five background squares (R6)
- Seven print squares, six background squares (R7)
- Eight print squares, seven background squares (R8)
- Nine print squares, eight background squares (R9)
- Ten print squares, nine background squares (R10)
- Eleven print squares, ten background squares (R11)
- Twelve print squares, eleven background squares (R12)
- Eleven print squares, ten background squares (R13)
- Ten print squares, nine background square (R14)
- Nine print squares, eight background squares (R15)
- Eight print squares, seven background squares (R16)
- Seven print squares, six background squares (R17)
- Six print squares, five background squares (R18)
- Five print squares, four background squares (R19)
- Four print squares, three background squares (R20)
- Three print squares, two background squares (R21)
- Two print squares, one background squares (R22)
- One print square (R23)
Step 2: Cut Setting Triangles
To create the On-Point effect, you’ll need setting triangles. Take the 22 – 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ background squares and cut them in half diagonally to create two triangles.
The setting triangles are large right-angled triangles that fill in the gaps around your quilt blocks when they are turned diagonally. Here’s how to cut them (see photo below).
Step 3: Arrange Your Rows and Setting Triangles
Lay out your rows and setting triangles in the desired pattern. As you position the rows diagonally, you’ll see the On-Point pattern starting to emerge. Lay out the rows in the order provided in the sewing instructions above. Rows should be laid out diagonally with a setting triangle at the beginning and end of each row.
Step 4: Sew Setting Triangles Onto Rows
Attach the setting triangles to each row (as shown below). Use a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Now join the rows together (as shown below). Press rows before joining. Use straight pins where seams are nested to hold everything in place.
Step 5: Sew Setting Corners Onto Quilt
Last step is to cut the 2 – 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ squares for setting corners (background fabric) in half diagonally. Attach to all four corners with a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Square up the quilt top corners after you have attached the setting corners. Use square ruler if you have one (as shown below). Press with iron.
Step 6: Add Border (Optional)
To give your quilt a polished look and adjust its size if needed, you can add borders. Borders can be as simple or elaborate as you prefer. This quilt does not have a border to give it a modern look. For more information on borders and sashing, check out How to Make Quilt With Sashing and Cornerstones.
Step 7: Create the Quilt Sandwich
Layer your quilt top, batting, and backing fabric to create the quilt sandwich. Secure the layers with pins or basting spray.
Want more info on basting, check out How To Sandwich a Quilt Step-By-Step Tutorial.
Step 8: Time to Quilt – Machine Quilting Designs
Quilt with sewing machine and sew diagonal lines in both directions through the background squares. You could also stitch in the ditch, straight line stitch along the seam lines or free motion quilt.
For more information on machine quilting designs, check out How To Machine Quilt with Walking Foot For Beginners.
Step 9: Square Up Quilt
After you are done quilting, it’s time to square up your quilt and trim off the excess batting and backing fabric. Doesn’t matter which side you start on but do the top and bottom first, then sides. Or do sides first, then top and bottom. Use the seam line and the quilting ruler lines to trim the same amount off from all sides. For more info, check out How To Sew a Quilt Together – Quilting For Beginners.
When you trim, make sure that there is only fabric under your ruler. You don’t want batting left on your quilt top without fabric over it. Use your straight quilt ruler, rotary cutter and cutting mat to trim. Find a line on your ruler that you can line up to the sashing seam.
Step 9: Bind the Edges
Finish your quilt by binding the edges. This quilt has double fold binding. For the binding, take the 8 – 2 1 /2″ x WOF strips of background fabric. Sew strips together to form a long continuous binding strip that is long enough to fit around entire quilt plus 15 extra inches to join. For more info on binding, check out How Wide to Cut Quilt Binding & Make Easy Strips.
Attach the double fold binding to the raw edge of the quilt top (starting on back of quilt), join ends, flip and finish on front side, mitering the corners for a polished look.
For more information on how to attaching quilt binding, check out How to Join Quilt Binding Ends: Beginner Series or How to Bind a Quilt – Easy Single Fold Binding.
Step 10: Final Touches
Once your quilt is bound, trim any loose threads, and admire your beautiful Charm Square On-Point Quilt!
QUILTING TIPS – On Point Quilt Pattern
Intermediate/Advanced Beginner
This project is perfect for intermediate to advanced beginners who want to make handmade gifts this holiday season but aren’t sure what to make. On point quilts are stunning and show off your advanced quilting skills. It’s also a one of a kind gift you can give to your friends or family members. You will impress them with this little beauty.
Tips for Sewing Setting Triangles
Sewing triangles onto a square piece of fabric can be challenging. If the tip of the triangle is at the top, flip the row over so the triangle fabric is on the bottom. Pin two rows together before joining on sewing machine with 1/4″ seam allowance. Take to sewing machine but flip your row so you are sewing on the back side. Place you needle in the down position just above where the fabrics meet, then begin sewing slowly. If you sew rows together as you normally would, you run the risk of the fabric getting eaten by your machine. This will help the tip of the setting triangle not get caught under the sewing plate.
Also, on point quilt patterns come together diagonally. Make sure the fabric isn’t dragging to the left of your sewing needle as this will cause problems when you try to sew straight.
Make It Faster
Lay two stacks within arms reach next to your sewing machine. I used my ironing table and put it next to my sewing table and used it as a table for my fabric.
Have a stack for background fabric and another stack for printed fabric. Start joining them together by chain piecing one of each together making sure you leave 2 print squares for the beginning square on two opposite sides of the quilt. All other rows will have more than one square. Once I built rows, lay them out on a quilt design wall, bed or floor. This way you can see what fabrics you already used and mix up the prints so they aren’t next to each other. Distribute your color evenly across your quilt if possible for best results.
SCRAP BUSTER
This is a great scrap buster pattern and an inexpensive way to make a quilt. Always go to your fabric stash before buying new fabric. Why spend money if you don’t have to, use what you have if possible.
Small Space Quilting Tip
Sewing in a small space is challenging, especially if you are sewing on a small table. You don’t want your quilt dragging on the left side when machine quilting. Try using an ironing table, place quilt top on it to help when quilting. Pull the ironing board as far back as possible with the left side of the quilt resting on it. Push the ironing board forward as you quilt and see if that makes life easier for you. Work with what you have, not everyone has a large house or a dedicated sewing room. Hope this helps someone out!
On Point Quilt Pattern – BEGINNER QUILTING SUPPLIES
Here are some quilting supplies that are great for quilters that I use and highly recommend. For more info, check out Quilting Supplies for Beginners (Best Tools To Start).
- Rotary Mat Cutting Mat (Self-Healing Mat)
- 28 mm Rotary Cutter
- 28 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades
- 45 mm Rotary Cutter with Sharp Blade (start with this one)
- 45 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades (start with this one)
- 60 mm Rotary Cutter
- 60 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades
- 5″ x 20″ Quilting Straight Line Ruler
- 4.5″ Quilting Square Ruler for half square triangles
- 12.5″ Quilting Square Ruler for quilt blocks
- Cut Resistant Gloves
- Stiletto
- Sewing Pins
- Sewing Thread
- Universal Sewing Needles
- Cotton Batting
- Sewing Machine Beginner (see my about me page for more info on sewing machines for beginners to the one I use today)
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
SEW NIKKI RESOURCES – HOW TO’S AND FREE PATTERNS
- Learn How To Quilt: Beginner Quilting Guide
- Table Runner DIY – Simple Quilted Table Runner
- How to Make Heat Proof Recycled Denim Potholders
- Chevron Quilt Pattern – Make Easy Placemats Two Ways
- How to Bind a Quilt – Easy Single Fold Binding
- The ABC Baby Quilt Sewing Pattern (Free, Easy)
- How to Sandwich A Quilt Step-By-Step Tutorial
- How Wide To Cut Quilt Binding & Make Easy Strips
- Easy Quilt Patterns – How To Make Charm Square Quilt
- How to Machine Quilt With Walking Foot For Beginners
- How to Sew a Quilt Together – Quilting for Beginners
- Mini Quilt Patterns, TQC “July” Postcard Pattern Review
- Quilting Supplies for Beginners (Best Tools to Start)
- How To Cut Fabric For Quilting (Easy and Accurate)
- How to Make Stunningly Beautiful Log Cabin Quilt Block
- Quilting Tips For Beginners (10 Essential Tips)
- How To Make Quilt With Sashing and Cornerstones
- Quilt Blocks, The Nonsense Table Topper Review
- How To Be Successful and Spend Less – New Quilter Tips
- Quilt Patterns, “Positive Effect” Pattern Review
- How To Join Quilt Binding Ends, Beginner Series
ABOUT SEW NIKKI
If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a weekend quilter, have a super small sewing space and taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.
This quilt came out so good, the pictures do not do it justice! It’s the perfect size throw to cover you full as you snuggle on the couch with your dog or granddaughter and watch something on tv. Perfect for picnics, concerts or going to the beach. It’s up there in my top 3 quilts, you have to try quilting on point.
Trying this technique and finishing it does was a big confidence booster. Feel free to experiment with different color combinations and layouts to make the quilt truly yours. Hope you try it and share photos, make sure you tag me on Instagram.
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Sew, quilt, crochet and repeat!
Love your patterns together! It totally reminds me of one of my grandmother’s quilts.
Thank you, that makes me smile.
Absolutely love this pattern and your thorough guide!
Love this pattern. I was thinking about doing something like this as a quilt for my bed. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Mariah, you should totally make one!
Thanks Jamie!
I love quilts where the squares are on point. So charming and cozy! Thank you for this expert quilt guide. We use quilts around our whole house and each one has a story and is made with loving hands. I hope this tradition never dies out!
thanks Rebekah!