Size of Snowball Block Triangles
 

I have seen this pattern posted before. I drew it out on EQ7. I took charm scraps and I have all my 2" square blocks finished (joined Four 4 patches). I know that the black snowball squares will be cut 4.5" but what size should my snowball square be?? 2.5" or 2.25??

THANKS!!

I'm not sure, but should it be the same size as the squares in the 16-patch?

EQ7 will tell you. Bring the block up, then go to Print, Print Rotary cutting instructions, Preview. To me, it looks like they will be an HST, which means they should be cut 2 7/8". But let EQ tell you, don't take my word for it, please.

this is what i was going to suggest also. the rotary cutting will tell you the width of the strip. that measurement will be the size of your square to cut

I'm thinking you aren't making HSTs, but instead setting squares on the opposing corners of the black square and sewing across the diagonals of the little squares. The little squares should be cut the same size as the little squares in your patches, i.e., 2.5" that will finish at 2".

At least that's how it looks to me...

I don't see a snowball block-----at least not what I'd call a snowball. I normally make the two outside sides of the triangle 1/3 of the snowball block. But in reality, you can make it any size your want.

I have thought about making this quilt many times. But I don't like all the waste of sewing on the squares on opposite corners, then cutting off the two triangles. When I make it the "X" block, it will also be 4 fourpatches. Each fourpatch will be made up of 2 black squares and 2 hst's (half black and half another color) All the squares would be the same size as the squares in the 16 patch. Clear as mud??? Ann

The squares should be cut the same as your 4 patch squares. They will be sewn down the middle so you don't need the extra as you would when making 2 HST.

Yes, the squares (making the triangles) of the snowballs should be cut a heavy 2.25" square. (Heavy = a few threads more than that 2.25".)
Carefully sew the diagonal and fold to the corner in order to make the triangles as accurate as possible.
Going to be a sweet quilt!

Jan in VA

That's how I do it....granted a bit of waste when cutting that little square into that triangle of the snowball corner, but much easier and no bias to worry about when joining......