snail's trail quilt pattern

Snail's trail is a traditional pattern with a lot of fun in it. At first look it seems a bit tricky to construct due to its spiral pattern. It also looks hard but it actually isn't. Snail's trail quilt can also be foundation pieced, if you prefer but I think there is no need for this pattern. This quilt block lets you do many things considering fabric placement and color choices. You can make it scrappy and it is also ideal for charm packs.

These blocks I have made are 12" x 12". The snail's trail block is absolutely one of my favourites. You need at least two different fabrics and it is important to pay attention to the contrast in value. I made this block with two fabrics. 1/4" seam allowance is used for all the seams.

Cutting instructions

Cut 6 7/8" squares from each of your fabrics ( one light fabric and one dark fabric square)
Cut 5 1/4 " squares from each of your fabrics
Cut 3 7/8" squares from each of your fabrics.
Cut two 2 5/8" squares from each of your fabrics; you will have four squares of that size.

For each of your squares, except 2 5/8" squares, cut in half diagonally to get two half square triangles. (You will have twelve half square triangles in the end.

Sewing instructions

Before starting sewing, it may be a good idea to arrange the pieces to form the pattern, so you can easily follow the sewing process.

Firstly, sew your 2 5/8" squares into a four patch as in the photo below:

Press seams open. Take the finished four patch. Sew the lighter fabrics to either sides first. You need to position the triangle for sewing; match up the point of the triangle to the center seam of the four patch. The photo below will help you figure out. Sew along and press the seams open.

Repeat the same process for the darker fabrics as mentioned above. And you have a square.

Trim your block 1/4" away from the corners of the four patch and square it up. (This part is important).

Start sewing on your second round of triangles. Again match the point of the triangle to the center of the four patch, pin it, sew and press. Do the same for four of the triangles. Trim 1/4" away fromthe points again as you did before.

Now sew the final round of triangles. Follow the same process of pinning, sewing, pressing and trimming.

And you finish up with this 12" snail's trail quilt pattern. I've enjoyed making it. Hope you enjoy yours, too!

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Hatun Çomak

I'm Hatun from Turkiye. I love quilting and patchwork and this is my patchworld. I share my projects, process, patterns and tutorials here in my blog. .

Website: https://www.mypatchworld.com/