I am trying to make a cathedral window like pillow using the directions from http://stashmanicure.blogspot.com/20...like-they.html Since I am using a light weight cotton instead of denim and I wanted neater edges, I decided to stitch 2 circles together to get a finished edge. Cutting & stitching the circles is no problem. But when I try to press them after they are turned, I cannot get the edges to stay out and look nice. Any ideas on how to make my circles look better?

Are you clipping the seams? A "purple thang" works really well to smooth the seam from the inside.

I also trim them a bit closer than the 1/4". They lay nicer.

Thanks for the quick replies. I will try trimming them a bit closer and look for the "Purple Thang" at Joannes this afternoon. I am clipping the seams and pushing them out with the wrong end of a paintbrush.

I trim with pinking shears and a bit closer than 1/4 inch. A chopstick works for smoothing the seams.

You can also trim away most of the under circle for less bulk and trim the seams to 1/8th of an inch.

I don't think that'll work for the faux cathedral window she's doing.

Thank you for that good wake up call...........duh to me!
:lol: :lol: :lol:

i also use a bodkin to turn the circles out and make the seams smoother. Quilt In A Day site has them. one end is round and one flat.

I use my pinking shears to trim circle edges and then turn them right side out. If it is for something that I want "perfect" edges on, I use stilleto to push out the edge out as good as I can get it. After that, I use a needle or corsage pin to grasp the seam line and hold it out just ahead of the iron. I know, picky, picky, picky but I hate lopsided circles.