This version is sewn in a neutral theme, but the quilt can be constructed with any fabrics you choose. Don’t hesitate to add extra colors or to make a scrap quilt with the pattern.
Quilt Size and Blocks
As written, the size of the snail’s trail quilt pattern is 70 inches by 77 inches. One of the components is measured in sixteenths of an inch—not a size that can be rotary cut with absolute accuracy. The patches are not difficult to estimate, and estimates will work just fine. However, you can also download an optional cutting guide to tape to a rotary ruler. Snail’s trail quilt blocks can also be foundation pieced. That can be a good option for miniature quilt blocks but is probably not worth the trouble for the 9-inch version in this quilt pattern.
Materials Needed
Light Neutral and Darker Neutral for Quilt Blocks: 2 yards of each fabric Straight-Set Borders
Dark Inner Border: 5/8 yardOuter Border: 1 1/4 yard
The outer border illustrated is the same fabric used in quilt blocks. Change this if you wish. Other Materials
Backing: 4 1/2 yards Batting: About 80 inches by 87 inches Binding: About 315 running inches of double fold binding
Cutting the Blocks
As with any quilt, start by making a sample block before you cut all the patches needed for the quilt. Cut from each of your two contrasting fabrics:
Three 1 5/8-inch wide strips, cut from selvage to selvageOne 1 5/8- by 16-inch stripThree 2 1/2-inch wide strips cut from selvage to selvage; cut (42) 2 1/2-inch squares from these stripsThree 3 1/8-inch wide strips cut from selvage to selvage; cut (42) 3 1/8-inch squares from these stripsFour 4 1/16-inch wide strips cut from selvage to selvage; cut (42) 4 1/16-inch squares from these strips (estimate the size or use an optional cutting guide)Six 5 3/8-inch wide strips cut from selvage to selvage; cut (42) 5 3/8-inch squares from these strips (you might need an additional cut if the fabric is narrower than normal)
You may need to cut a few squares from remaining fabric to reach a total of 42 for each size and color. Cut each square in half once diagonally.
Make the Quilt Blocks
Make Four-Patch Block Centers
Refer to the diagram as you assemble the quilt block. Make 42 four-patch units total.
Finish Assembling the Snail’s Trail Quilt Block
The triangles increase in size around the center. Speed up assembly by chain piecing one triangle position at a time once you’ve become accustomed to the sewing order. Fold triangles in half to find the midpoint along their longest edge. Match the midpoint to the midpoint of the patchwork it is matched to. Make a total of 42 snail’s trail quilt blocks.
