Creating a tidy grid of quilt blocks and sashing is easy with a simple trick using tailor’s chalk and a quilting ruler.

Lining up quilt blocks across sashing can be tricky. Pinning a row of quilt blocks sewn together to the sashing before stitching is necessary, but with some simple tools, you can get a neat and tidy grid.

After attaching the sashing to the first row of sewn quilt blocks, square up a ruler with the seam of a quilt block and sashing. Then, make a mark along the sashing with the tailor’s chalk. (Note: you can use whatever temporary pencil or marker you prefer. Heck, you could even stick a pin on the far side of the sashing where the seam is.) You’ll want to mark the seams of all the quilt blocks along the sashing.

Now, take your next row of sewn quilt blocks and line the seams up with the marks. It’s not as satisfying as nesting seams, but it still feels good that you’re going to get an accurate placement.

Stitch the seam and voilà! A pretty darn accurate grid of quilt blocks!

I first came across the challenge of lining up quilt blocks when I was a quilt guild member. Another member posed the question to the group because her blocks were always a little offset. I hadn’t made a quilt with sashing at that point, so I listened and the best response was “pin it really well.” The most important pins are the ones at the seams of the second row and the chalk marks, but making those chalk marks are essential. It’s a simple trick and super easy to do with some common tools!

P.S. The quilt shown here is my Frosty the Snowman Quilt which is still in progress…stay tuned!