How to Figure for the Snowball Quilt Technique
The Snowball quilt block is a traditional design that is good for filler in another pattern, yet is strong enough to be the sole pattern of a quilt as well. A pieced "snowball" actually resembles a diamond with the points squared off. While the finished block may seem like you need to stitch diamonds and triangles, the snowball technique really only involves sewing squares together. The snowball block is a simple, nine-patch quilt block pattern.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 different fat quarters
- Sewing machine or hand needle
- Thread
- Straight pins
- Scissors
- Rotary cutter (optional)
- Self healing mat (optional)
- Ruler (optional)
Instructions
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Figure the Fabric Sizes
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1
Determine the size of the finished block. For this explanation, we will use 6 inches as an example.
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2
Add 1/2 inch to the desired finished size to determine the dimensions of the snowball's large square. In this example, the large square should be cut 6 1/2 inches.
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3
Determine the size of the smaller squares. The formula is: Desired Finished Block divided by 3, then add 1/2. In this example, the smaller squares would be 2 1/2 inches each.
Cut the Snowball PIeces
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4
Cut the large square from one fat quarter.
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5
Cut the four smaller squares from the second fat quarter.
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6
Set aside leftover fabric pieces.
Making the Snowball
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7
Lay the large square right side up on a flat surface.
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8
Place each of the small squares, right side down, in a corner of the larger one. Two edges of each small square should be even with two edges of the large square.
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9
Pin each small square in place, onto the larger square.
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10
Make a diagonal stitch on each small square to connect both corners that line up with the outer edge of the large square. Be sure to remove each straight pin as you sew.
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11
Trim the excess fabric from each corner, staying 1/4-inch away from the seams. As you cut, two small triangles will fall from each corner.
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12
Fold back each corner at the seam just sewn and finger press it open. Your snowball block is complete.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You may find that trimming the fabric away from the corners is easier done with a rotary cutter and ruler rather than scissors. Either way is fine.
After completing the snowball block, press the corners out to make sure they are even and create a square.
Try to fussy cut, or isolate images to be the focal point. Using a pencil to mark these areas is a good idea.
Don't be tempted to skip the step where you trim the excess away from each corner. Leaving it will make your block bulky.
Always cut away from yourself when using a rotary cutter and mat.
References
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
