Snowball Quilt
 

I'm wanting to use up a lot of scraps (some small and some large) to make a snowball quilt. What size is best for the snowball? Need some experienced suggestions. Thanks.

I would sort my large scraps to determine the smallest size and then cut the rest to match...unless the smallest is really small. I made one with 10 inch blocks and it went very fast.

I've probably done more quilts using snowballs in some form than any other block. It's a very forgiving and variable block. I've made them as all snowballs and with alternating blocks, or with a pieced sashing for my cousin's wedding, I used a large themed print as the center and then 2" assorted coordinated blue squares. For a different wedding (and a long story) I alternated larger snowballs with 54/40 or Fight, to make what is now called Tennessee Waltz:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/member...14-621636.html

I tend to prefer a larger cut on the corners, so typically use a third of the block as the measurement. Sometimes though when I'm using it as an alternate block to match the other units I might have to divide it in 4ths or other measurements. A couple months ago I was feeling the need to work with some set-in seams so I made this top alternating Lemoyne stars with snowballs and small corners:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/member...14-621720.html

I really like using a square with a diagonal drawn on it, and then I sew on the line and cut off the excess. For smaller squares it doesn't really waste much fabric, for larger cut offs, well you can always sew them into HST if it bothers you. It makes the math easy to figure out. Plus, you don't run the risk of putting on a triangle to the wrong side a trimmed to shape block.

I am not trying to put you off by any means, but the size is really up to you. I would suggest making some samples of 5" blocks, 6.5" block or even the 10" block suggested above. You don't even have to sew the little corners in place. Just fold on the diagonal and lay on the square block to see what size corner pleases your eye.

Thanks for your question. It reminded me of this easy and fast block that I had forgotten about. Time to make a snowball quilt!

Thanks, I've decided on a 6.5" block. Like the size. 5" seemed too small and didn't care for the 10". Now in process of cutting the 5" and corner pieces.

I really like the snowball block and yours will be fun to make especially when you are using up scraps. I think 6 1/2" blocks would be perfect size.

I started a baby quilt yesterday using a charm pack that I and added some other 5 inch squares from my scraps of repro fabric. I! am using 2.5 in squares that I had in my stash. Here we go making snowballs in August! Again, thank you for the good idea.

I made one with six inch squares and it came out nice and went together pretty fast.

I did mine with 6 1/2" blocks (unfinished, 6" finished) as I was alternating with nine patches and my cuts were 2 1/2".

That's what I'm going to do. Already starting a stack of 6 1/2" and 2 1/2". Have lots more scraps to go though and cut but am looking forward to getting started on the piecing.

Y'all got me thinking - I have a bunch of voile from a stash purchase (I purchased a lady's entire fabric collection - 3 big garbage bags!) 25 pieces all different sizes of silky colorful voile. Could I cut into 6.5" blocks and snowball corners in white with 2.5" to make a top?

I'm not colorblind - but I am color stupid so its hard for me to figure out what goes together. There is no one line or color in the collection and sizes range from 9 - 15" WOF. I'm afraid if I make the blocks too small they will slide around too much during piecing.

The snowball block is so versatile and can be a stand alone or an accent block. I have used it both ways. I have used mostly 6.5" block against 12 1/2" blocks. They are great scrappy blocks too. Test out different sizes to see what your eyes say work best for you. This may surprise you!

My sister in Westland is an avid quilter. I've gotten her excited about the big stitch which she's going to try when she finishes the one she's working on now. In fact just ordered her the Big Stitch by Julianna Pope. I think she'll be even more excited when she sees how easy it is and how nice it looks.