When I make circles for applique I use aluminum foil.
- cut out template
- cut out fabric around template w/ enough seam allowance
- layer Aluminum foil, fabric and template, paint or use q- tip to add starch of choice around the edge of template to dampen the fabric
- fold aluminum foil all around the template and press with hotish iron
- take circle out of aluminum foil and applique it where ever you like
Another method is the inside out one.
- your fabric at a size bigger than you need to trim later
- a backing fabric ( best to use something that is close to or the same as the piece you are making.
- trace a light circle on the back of the backing fabric and place the two pieces right sides together and sew slowly on the drawn line all the way around.
- trim the extra fabric down to a seam size (1/4") and snip the seam around the sewncircle to within two threads of the sewn seam
- snip the backing material open so you can turn the circle inside out and use a chop stick to push the seam into place and press
Both are methods that I have used and like. Sewing slowly, Stitch by stitch sometimes when they are small circles
is the key to not getting puckers in them.
peace