How about on point?

Seven in the first row.
Six in the next with 2 setting triangles.
Seven in the row after that.
Six in the last row, again with 2 setting triangles.

No, these are letters. They already have an up and down. They'd look
silly tilted to one side, but my way does solve the make it come out
even problem.

I'd make 2 extra with some pretty design and put them first and last for
a straight set of 4 x 7.

--Lia