Snail’s Trail Block: FREE Quilt Block Pattern

Click here to see this Snail’s Trail Block in Maria Umhey’s Big Sky Blues lap quilt pattern.

Free Quilt Block Pattern Download

Click here to download the FREE Snail’s Trail foundation-pieced Quilt Block pattern. (Problems downloading our PDF? Check out our troubleshooting tips.)

Note: Foundation Master is at end of pattern in download above. Enlarge 150% before use.

Planning

This pattern is for a foundation-pieced version of the classic Snails Trail Block. Foundation (paper) piecing ensures accurate results every time you make this impressive design. This particular block begins with a traditionally-pieced four-patch. Click here for our FREE Foundation Piecing Primer.

Cutting Instructions
(Cut in order listed)

 = cut in half diagonally
Dark fabric
1 square 6½˝ x 6½˝  (Foundation Master areas 10 and 11)
1 square 5˝ x 5˝  (areas 6 and 7)
1 square 4˝ x 4˝  (areas 2 and 3)
2 squares 2¼˝ x 2¼˝ (area 1)
Light fabric
1 square 6½˝ x 6½˝  (areas 12 and 13)
1 square 5˝ x 5˝  (areas 8 and 9)
1 square 4˝ x 4˝  (areas 4 and 5)
2 squares 2¼˝ x 2¼˝ (area 1)

Foundation Piecing the Block

1. Make an accurate copy of the enlarged Foundation Master. Sew together 2 dark and 2 light 2¼˝ squares to make four-patch for block center.

2. Center four-patch on wrong side of foundation master, right side up and aligning seams with center dashed lines. Pin if desired.

3. Place matching dark 4˝ half-square triangle on four-patch, right sides together, to cover area 2 when sewn.

4. Turn foundation over and sew on line between areas 1 and 2, stitching ¼˝ beyond intersection at beginning and end of line.

5. Open and press.

6. Fold foundation paper back and trim seam allowance to ¼˝.

7. In same manner, add remaining 4˝ half-square triangles in fabrics shown on foundation.

8. Add 5˝ and 6½˝ half-square triangles in similar manner to make Snail’s Trail Block. Trim excess fabric and paper along outer dashed lines on all sides.

The Big Sky Blues lap quilt is patterned in the March/April 2014 issue of McCall’s Quilting. Digital downloads of back issues always available at QuiltandSewShop.com.

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