Friday 15 May 2020

Perfect Circles

So many people commented on my circle blocks in last week's post.



Everyone wanted to know how I got them looking so good!  Well, I followed Jen Kingwell's video on YouTube.  I've put a link to it here so you can watch it too.



Jen uses Karen Kay Buckley's Perfect Circles and Bigger Perfect Circles.  I already had these circles in my cupboard because I use them for wool felt applique.  They last for ever and ever (as long as you don't distort them with a super hot iron).  Most quilt shops stock Perfect Circles.


Jen puts a gathering thread around the edge of her circle before pulling it tight around the Perfect Circle.  Then she sprays it with Flatter before pressing it.


Once you have a crisp edge you can pop the template out and pin your circle onto the background fabric.  Jen recommends Aurifil 80wt for applique, and I do too.  It's very fine and almost disappears into the fabric.


In the video Jen shows exactly how she angles her needle when she appliques.  It's well worth watching because it will help you to keep your stitches invisible when you applique.


I had this quilt basted by a local long arm quilter - Rayna Clinton from Tui Song Quilting.  I'm really pleased with how it's looking and I can't wait to start hand quilting it.



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6 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I have both sets of those circles too and have used them over and over again and they work every time - wonderful quilt!

Sewing Up A Storm said...

I have a set of those circles in the tiny size. I did not know they come in larger sizes too...........humm should get some of those too. I watched the video and got a few tips..........she does her running stitch different, I did not make the knot at one end of the thread. I am gonna try her way next time.
Your quilt is going to beautiful.

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said...

Thank you for the link to the video. Very interesting and full of good hints (since I'm not fond of hand applique and don't do it well). I like those circle templates and think they might be well worth the investment, whether I hand or machine applique.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Lovely circles, thank you for sharing your process ;)

Laura said...

I also have Karen's circle templates...all sizes. So useful!
I love your sense of color and pattern! :)

Granny Maud's Girl said...

I use these circles too. They really are handy. It is amazing how often I need circular templates.
You are right about avoiding a too hot iron. Steam is also not great. (I learned that one the hard way.)