When I made the smaller balls I used 2 inch squares. For the three inch balls I used 2.5 inch squares.
The other things I did - I would put a square flat on the ball and then start pinning the the triangles down because sometimes you can see the styrofoam between the triangles. And I embellished with ruffled lace and ribbon. Last but not least I got decorative pins and used those in the center. (Mine are put away for next year, otherwise I would post pictures.)
We have a place here called Upholstery Fabric Outlet (UFO) and bought the dressmaker pins by the pound. It may sound crazy but it was amazing how many boxes my friend and I went thru. When we started the box of pins cost $3.99 a box. But we bought so many they upped the cost to over $15.00. I haven't looked for them lately - someone on the QB said the pins are available at Wawak.com for a reasonable price.
Have fun!
Last edited by quiltingcandy; 01-13-2015 at 12:26 AM.