I'm want to do a 9inch snowball block. What size would I do the corner squares?

I don't think it matters. I just like to make sure that the corners match up to some visual line in the adjoining block.

This is for a plain block with no alternating blocks.

http://www.straw.com/quilting/articles/snowball1.html

http://www.quilterscache.com/S/SnowballBlock.html

Whatever size you want, as long as they are all the same size so that when you attach the next block, the secondary pattern (little squares on point) are formed. Unless you want a wonky look - also a possibility.

So if you start with a 9" finished block, you can use anything from 1" squares to 3" squares or even larger (remember to add the 1/2" seam allowance). It depends on the look you want.

I want to do snowball and a nine patch both nine inch blocks. Thanks for the help

Then traditionally the square is the same size as the 9patch square.
But that can vary. You can see the different secondary patterns (the bowties) that emerge when you use smaller snowballs with the 9Patch block, or when you switch the coloring of the 9patch.

FYI - the measurements are a 9" FINISHED nine-patch block. The snowballs are 1",2" & 3" FINISHED.

(remember - the actual cut squares would be 1.5", 2.5" & 3.5")

Wow, MTS, those are wonderful. I just never looked at a snowball quilt quite that way. The bottom left is the one I've done.:)

Look at the middle left - same block, except the coloring in the 9patch is reversed. But the look is totally different. It's all about the value.;-)

Yup, I see it. Thanks for the lesson.:)

You would make the corner pieces the same size as the individual 9 patch pieces. In this case 3 1/2" :D:D:D

Generally speaking each corner when finished should measure 1/3 of a finished side. So finished main square is 9". The square you cut for the corner should be 3" plus 1/2" for stitching allowance.

You are cutting the corner squares, sewing diagonally and then trimming the corners, aren't you? SO MUCH EASIER THAN DEALING WITH A TRIANGLE WITH A BIAS CUT.

If she's using a 9" (finished) 9 patch, and the alternating block is going to be a snowball, then the snowball needs to be cut at 9 1/2 for seam allowance and each square for a corner needs to be cut at 3 1/2" to match the finished little squares in the 9 patch block

OR MAYBE I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND THE QUESTION

Triple post :roll:

Duplicate post

There is no rule that says it has to be 3.5". Traditionally it is done that way. But so what? Why do they have to match?
Look at the diagrams I provided upthread.

And you don't have to shout.

LOL - I was covering my ears, too.

Anyway, I love the various diagrams you came up with. What a great pattern to play with.

Hi Jazzy519! The easiest way to make a snowball block that is 9 inches finished is to cut 3.5 inch squares, place the block in the corner and stitch diagonally. Press to see if it is accurate then cut off the extra (only to remove the bulk). Sometimes it is recommended that you stitch a hair width on the outside of the line (towards the inside). That process I always thought was called snowball. It is much easier then trying to sew a cut triangle in the corner. Fons and Porter may have further info on their website. It makes a really nice pattern. GOOD LUCK !!!

When I use the diagonal seam on the square in the corner on larger pieces, I generally sew a second line 1/2" away from it into the corner and trim between the sewn lines. It gives me a perfect HST for the scrap bin. Less wasteful that way AND I don't have to deal with bias edges on the scrappy corners.

Great idea, MadQuilter - thanks!

thanks all for the help. Im going to use 31/2 inch conner blocks and 91/2 blocks

I love this and it looks like so much fun. Is the second half of the square (which becomes a triangle) just waste? Or am I misunderstanding something?

For the very frugal, yes. :mrgreen:
Others, like myself, take a :roll: approach to it. ;-)

And it's not only the 2nd half of the snowball, but the corner of the base square as well (although I don't cut that off, I leave it on).

However, MadQuilter has an excellent technique for utilizing those extra pieces if you're so inclined.

I guess I work on smaller snowball blocks, like 6", that the resulting extra HST block would be about 1" square, and I have no interest in working with that size. Same for flying geese blocks. I suppose if the block was huge, I might keep the scraps. So I do toss.

Again, personal preference. To each his/her own.

I just love the snowball & 9Patch variations...so much fun...

Thank You, thats a lot of info and I like it.

So much easier to see it that imagine it in my pea brain !!

Thanks so much and no, I'm not that frugal. Little tiny pieces make me crazy. lol !! I was just wondering if you had to use them elsewhere on the piece. I'm fairly new at all this and everything is still in question.

The easier way to make a Snow Ball block is to make 4 drunkard patch blocks, sew together so the corner block makes the snowball.

That is so great to see the different patterns you cab make!!!! Thank you....will certainly keep that as a special reference!
Shirley

Thanks MTS for your informative blocks idea!

I have been told the snowball corner is 1/3 of the size of block......

It's amazing that I totally didn't realize that those were the same pattern with the values reversed until it was pointed out. Thanks so much for that very visual lesson!!

I'm with you girl, and you just never know when you are gonna need some premade HST blocks!

MTS, Why do you leave the corner of the base square on? Does it help in any way (I have only made one Snowball quilt and that was awhile ago).

there's a chart on about.com

If you are alternating them with a nine patch I woul dmake the corner squares the same size as the nine patch squares. Thats just me. You can do what you think looks good for you - no rules.

Caution: the larger the corner triangles the less snow 'ball' look.

as has been mentioned on this thread, sew a second seam just outside your piece seam then when you trim your "waste" away, you'll have a nice little HST done. Save it for a scrappy project later.

Right, the corners need to be as close to a third of the side as you can manage for the best ball IMO!