How to Snowball the Corners of a Quilt Block

Add softness, dimension, and a touch of charm to your patchwork

Snowballing corners is a simple technique that transforms a basic square into something more dynamic. Whether you're framing a focal fabric, softening a geometric layout, or prepping for a secondary design element (like stars or diamonds), snowballing adds visual interest with minimal fuss.

✂️ What You’ll Need

• Quilt block squares (any size—commonly 4" to 10")

• Small corner squares (usually 1.5" to 2.5", depending on your block size)

• Fabric marking tool

• Sewing machine and thread

• Rotary cutter and ruler

• Iron and pressing surface

  
  

🧵 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut Your Corner Squares

   • For each block, you’ll need four small squares.

   • A good rule of thumb: corner squares should be about 1/4 to 1/3 the size of your main block.

2. Mark the Diagonal

   • Use a fabric pen or pencil to draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the wrong side of each small square.

3. Place and Stitch

   • Align one small square in the corner of your main block, right sides together.

   • Stitch directly on the drawn diagonal line.

   

   Place small square in corner of large square

   

   Sew on diagonal line

   
   

4. Trim and Press

   • Trim 1/4" away from the seam toward the outer corner.

   • Press the triangle open, so it forms a new corner on your block.

   

   Trim, open and press. You have a snowballed corner!!

5. Repeat for All Four Corners

   • Snowball each corner using the same method.

   • Your finished block will have softened, angled corners that create a subtle octagonal shape.

🌟 Tips for Precision

• Chain piece your corner squares for efficiency.

• Use a scant 1/4" seam allowance when trimming to avoid bulk.

• Press seams open or to one side depending on your quilt’s overall plan.

🧶 Design Ideas

• Use contrasting fabrics for the snowball corners to create a starburst effect.

• Try low-volume prints for a subtle shimmer.

• Combine snowballed blocks with plain squares or half-square triangles for dynamic layouts.