How to make Appliqued Perfect Circles

 If you've ever tried to applique circles, you'll know that it's not the easiest thing to achieve perfect circles. That's where these little templates by Karen Kay Buckley comes in handy. At first I was skeptical that they'd work. But lo and behold, I was able to make gorgeous looking circles the very first try. Now that's a product that lives up to its name!

It was fairly easy to do. Trace out the circle on the wrong side of fabric. Cut it out with 1/4" seam allowance or a bit less for the smaller ones. Stitch a running stitch with a knotted end and keep a long tail. Now pull it tight around the template. "Paint" the seam allowance with a spray starch. I used Mary Ellen's Best Press. Press it until the starch is dried. Let it cool a bit and then loosen the stitches to remove the template. Clip the thread tail and applique it. That's it! Wasn't that easy?

 If you like to applique at all, then I'd highly recommend getting this little set from your local quilt shop. Hmm, now I wonder what else needs circles?

Comments

[Tracy]

What a great, handy little quilting gadget! Much more sensible than my way...to use anything from quarters, ends of mugs, Mason jar lids, etc. to get a good cirlce--LOL! And I like the simple yo-yo-like technique...great idea! Thanks for sharing about this, Tami! Happy weekend ((HUGS))

[margaret]

And cut away all of that unsightly bunk underneath!...circles are a real pain :-)

[Natalie]

I like it.

[floribunda]

I did an applique circle for the first time just a few days ago... I went to the hardware store and bought one each of a bunch of different sizes of flat metal washers. They also work well; you can iron them, but they do get hot!

[Linda Fleming]

What handy little tools those templates are! Your circle turned out great.

[bitterbetty]

hahaha... Just when I thought there wasn't anything I needed from the quilt shop this week.