Iris Blossom

On-point borders, like the one in Iris Blossom, can be intimidating if you have never done one. So we decided to make a video of the process for you!

There are a few important points to know when making an on-point border.

  1. The side setting triangles should always be made by cutting a square twice on the diagonal. This ensures the bias or diagonal cuts are against the blocks, not on the edge of the border strip. This is important as you want the border to keep its shape and size.
  2. The dimensions of the square for the side setting triangle can be calculated as (Finished Block * 1.414) + 1 1/4″
  3. The corner setting triangles should always be made by cutting a square once on the diagonal. This ensures the bias or diagonal cut is against the blocks, not on the edges of the border strip.
  4. The dimensions of the square for the corner setting triangle can be calculated as Finished Block + 7/8″
  5. Layout the entire border before sewing to ensure the proper orientation of blocks.
  6. Be consistent and sew all of the outer (right) blocks first and then all of the inner (left) blocks. This assumes that you are working from left to right.
  7. The corner blocks will have the same orientation. You can put the blocks on top of each other and they will match. However, the left block will have an outer side setting triangle (pale block in Iris Blossom). Meanwhile, the right block will have an inner side setting triangle (purple block in Iris Blossom).
  8. Nest your seams tightly.
  9. If working with foundation pieced blocks, leave the paper on and put the fabric side down when sewing.
  10. When trimming tails, be careful not to accidentally trim the triangles!

We hope you enjoy the video!

Happy Quilting!

Laureen