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.

I trim back the under side of the little square so that I can line it up with the big square before I trim it off.

I also cut both. A tip from Bonnie Hunter is to sew on the outside of the drawn line just touching it. Then as you flip the HST back up it will be an exact match. She also uses the left over HST units. Have fun! Luann

What you want to end up with is as little bulk as possible, so yes, trim off the big square block, too!

I am making a bowtie quilt and I did the same thing with my corners. I am going to sew the cutoffs to form little bowties and use them for a border. Looks great.

Inside left or inside right? :o

If the square is on top of the bottom square the drawn line would be across the diagonal. Then on the outside of the drawn line, the side you will cut off, sew just above the line. The stitching should just kiss the line. Do not cover the line with stitching, nor be far enough away from the line that you can see a space. I have done this on many blocks and it does work. You may need to change the foot from 1/4" to an all purpose open toe one. Then remember to change the foot back. I put a sticky note on the machine to remind me! I hope that clears it up! Luann in CT