March "Sew Easy Block of the Month"- Snail Trail!
The written pattern can be purchased as part of the Classic Sew Easy Block of the Month Pattern and is available in the Shop.
I started a (free!!) Block of the Month Group!!!!!!
I’ve been thinking and dreaming about hosting some type of quilt along and I finally bit the bullet last month! I created the group on Facebook called “All Quilters Block of the Month”. What a party its been!
All our blocks this year will be 12″ finished, and the fabric requirements have been posted in the Facebook Group if you want to plan ahead.
The blocks for January and February have already been posted in the FB group. They are free patterns that I found floating around the internet and credit has been given to the lovely quilters that originally posted those blocks.
Finished Snail Trail Block
This is the Snail Trail block for March.
This block is fun because you can get a different feel to the block just by changing up the fabric colors you use!
At the end of this post there is a link to download the PDF version of this block pattern. On the pattern page I included a few blank blocks for you to color so you can try out different color ways!
Cutting instructions for the 12″ Snail Trail Block
Some things to know before starting this block:
The cutting instructions have odd sized squares, so measure twice as you’re cutting your fabric!
If you don’t rotate the block the same direction as you add on the next set of triangles you may end up with a wonky looking snail trail.
All the squares cut out – one from each type of fabric, and two of the smallest blocks for the center four-patch
Cutting Instructions:
From TWO different fabrics cut:
- ONE 6 7/8″ square – subcut into two half square triangles
- ONE 5 1/8″ square – subcut into two half square triangles
- ONE 3 7/8″ square – subcut into two half square triangles
- TWO 2 5/8″ squares
Squares subcut into half square triangles
Start by laying out the 2 5/8″ squares, alternating to create a four-patch, as shown below.
Four Patch Block. This is the center of the Snail Trail Block.
After sewing the four-patch together (using a 1/4″ seam allowance), sew the smallest triangles to the top and bottom of the four-patch. Make sure the fabric in the TOP LEFT square of the four-patch matches the fabric triangle being sewn onto the top and bottom.
Next, attach the smallest triangles in the other fabric to the sides of the four-patch.
Adding half square triangles to the four-patch center block
One simple trick to help you center the triangles as you sew them on:
FINGER PRESSING!
Finger press the triangle by folding it in half and run your fingernail along the crease. This creates a small crease along the edge of the triangle so you know where the center line is. Then pin the triangle to the four-patch, matching up the center line (that you finger pressed) with the center seam.
After you have sewn all four triangles to the center four-patch, rotate the block about 45 degrees to the left.
Attach the next largest triangles in the same manner. Make sure the fabric in the TOP LEFT triangle matches the triangle fabric being sewn onto the top and bottom of the block.
Sew the coordinating fabric triangles onto the sides of the block.
After the triangles are sewn on, be sure to clip the dog ears on each side of the block.
This reduces bulk and allows the block to lay flatter.
(It may not seem important, but your longarm quilter will be happier with how the block lays flat and the seams are less bulky!)
At this point you should be able to see the spiral forming that creates the “snail trail”.
It’s a good idea to check at every stage of piecing this block to make sure the swirl is all going in the same direction.
Another tip for piecing:
PRESSING YOUR BLOCK!
It’s important to remember to press your block each time you add a new seam.
This helps the block lay smoothly and keeps the seam allowance flat from the previous triangle that was sewn on.
We’re almost there! One last time!
Following the same steps, rotate the block about 45 degrees to the left. Attach the last triangles to the block in the same manner. Make sure the fabric in the TOP LEFT triangle of the center of the block matches the fabric in the triangle you are attaching to the top and bottom.
Attach the coordinating fabric to the sides of the block.
Press and trim your block, and you’re done!
Here is our finished blocks with the blocks from January and February. This is gonna look **so** good when it’s done!
The January Block is called Sawtooth Star (top row in the photo above) and the tutorial for it can be found here.
The February block is called Party Hats (bottom row in the photo above) and the instructions can be found here.
You can also check me out on Facebook and instagram for video tutorials for these blocks!
January Block of the Month – Sew Easy Log Cabin
This year we will be doing things similar to last year – meaning there will be one block pattern released each month as well as 13 “filler” blocks. Here’s a sneak peek at the new layout!
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