How to make Perfect Circles
Ever wondered how quilters get their circles to look perfectly round for hand applique?
Here is a method that I have found works really well.
Karen Kay Buckley Perfect Circle Templates
These are made from mylar which is a heat resistant plastic. However it will warp out of shape if the heat is on too high. A low to medium setting is sufficient.
There are two different packets, the original, which contains circles ranging from 7/16” to 2” in diameter (with 4 of each size) and the Bigger Perfect Circles packet contains circles that range from 2 1/4” to 4 1/2” in diameter.
An outline of how to use them follows below.
Step 1
Take your desired sized circle template and trace around it with a pencil onto the back of a piece of fabric. Cut a rough quarter inch seam allowance around the circle.
Step 2
Thread a needle and knot the end. Stitch a running stitch in the seam allowance of your circle. The smaller the stitches, the better the resulting circle.
Step 3
Insert your template circle onto your fabric and pull your thread through so that the seam allowance is drawn inwards to surround the template. Tie a knot in the thread to secure the circle.
Step 4
Spray your circle with a bit of starch, like Best Press or Flatter and press your circle on a low to medium setting on both sides. The mylar template will warp out of shape if the iron is too hot.
Remove the template and press again. You should now have a perfect circle!
Ideas for prepared edge circles
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Hand applique circle techniques
Handquilting with perle 8 thread