jazzy519

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

dakotamaid

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

MTS

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.

jazzy519

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

MTS

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")

dakotamaid

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.:)

MTS

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.;-)

dakotamaid

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

amma

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

GrannieAnnie

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.