Welcome from western Pa. I've found that my points match when my 1/4 inch seams are all equal-I found a 1/4 inch seam foot for my machine and it's made all the difference in matching seams and points. I haven't tried cutting the "ears" off the triangles first so don't know about this. Just keep trying any suggestions until you find what works for you. Please post pictures, too-we love pictures.