How to Applique a Smooth Circle - Quilting Daily
 

Got this in an email today and thought I would share:

http://nls.interweave.com/track?t=v&...&&2000&eu=1&&&

this is the technique i use but i leave about 3/8 instead of 1/4 seam allowance

Karen Kay Buckley sells acrylic washers in all sizes so that you can use them and iron them over and over.

I agree with MaggieK about Karen Kay Buckley's Perfect Circles. They are the BEST:) I used to use freezer paper, but, you still get wrinkles. You pull the gathering thread up tight and lightly starch and press, let cool and pop out the washer.

Thanks for sharing all the info ladies. I saw a cute pattern with circles scattered all around the edges. I'll have to try these tips when I make it.

This is the method I use, but I leave the freezer paper in place while I applique the circle (or whatever shape I'm using). When I'm finished with the applique, I carefully cut a small slit in the base fabric under the applique and gently pull out the freezer paper. Then I slip stitch the slit closed. Leaving the freezer paper in place gives me a firm template for my tiny applique stitching. Works perfectly every time!