Block 101 : Snowball

For me, anyway, the term snowball in quilting means to create the illusion of a rounded edge to your square block.

Like a snowball.

We will use this technique to make the apples and pumpkins in the Harvest QAL.

To assemble, you need your main block and then 4 smaller squares sized the same.

The dimensions will depend on the effect you are working to create.  For my sample, the brown square is 5'' and each of the white squares are 2''.

Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of each of the white squares.

Pin to the corner as shown below.

See where I have that pin relative to the drawn line?  You want to sew on the other side of the drawn line.  Just a hair off the line so when you fold it back, your corners will align correctly.

Like this.

Now repeat for the rest of the corners.

Before you cut anything, fold back those corners and make sure you are happy with how everything aligns.

Look good?  Then go ahead and cut them leaving a 1/4'' seam allowance.

Fold and press.

You can use this technique on blocks that aren't just plain squares of fabric.  I made this quilt a few years ago and used this technique to create a second design.  (I called this quilt Dream Big.)

Have a wonderful day! Patty