Snowballs
 

When placing the smaller squares on the corners for a snowball or similar block. Do you cut through the large square as well as the small square? Seen a pattern and am confused if you cut through one or two layers. It looks like one just the small square. Confused.

Some do and some don't. I prefer to cut both (less bulk). In fact I sew two lines
1/2" apart so that I can have a small HST. I'm making a snowball nine-patch quilt
and I have all those small HST's from the snowballs. Well, I had more fun playing
with the small HST's than finish the quilt top. LOL

i never thought of sewing twice so U could have the other HST already done. Will have to do that next time.

Thank you that is what I thought friend says cut one

I agree with EasyPeezy--less bulk when both are cut.

I only cut the middle layer. The bulk is not a problem as I machine quilt. Leaving the original square intact makes a more accurate, square quilt, IMO. And, the truth? sometimes I don't cut at all if I'm feeling lazy. Again, machine quilting doesn't seem to mind the extra bulk.

this is the way i've always done it, also. still have a collection of hst's to use up :)

i always when adding corners to any block that will have (toss away triangles) stitch the original diagonal- then turn & stitch again on the outside along the diagonal- then cut between the seams so i have pre-made 1/2 square triangle blocks to use for borders, other blocks, other projects....so i cut both layers
sometimes people choose to only cut one layer-for added stability- it's your choice- but hand quilting it is more difficult to stitch through the extra layers.

it's best to leave the background square corners in place. if your "triangle" fabric doesn't fold back enough, you can use the main fabric as your guide when sewing together blocks. just trim the inbetween fabric. some even leave that.