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Quilt Anatomy

Quilt Setting

The arrangement of quilt blocks within the quilt top.

The setting describes how quilt blocks are arranged to form the quilt top. In a straight setting, blocks are arranged in horizontal rows with sides parallel to the quilt edges. In an on-point (diagonal) setting, blocks are rotated 45 degrees, requiring setting triangles to fill the edges and corners. A medallion setting features one central focal block or panel surrounded by successive borders. The setting can completely transform the look of the same block pattern.

Related Terms

On-Point SettingA quilt layout where blocks are rotated 45 degrees so they sit on their corners.SashingStrips of fabric sewn between quilt blocks to separate and frame them.Quilt BlockA single unit of pieced or appliquéd fabric that is repeated to create a quilt top.

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