I made my seams 1/2" not 1/4" so I could fray it a bit more. Turned out great.

Love your quilt. I'm probably behind the times making this type quilt but the need arose and I can't wait to get started. My friend's friend died suddenly (and totally unexpectedly) of a heart attack while she was visiting him! Needless to say she was a basket case when she called me. I asked her if she had or could get any of his clothes for a memory quilt. The only thing she could get was a pair of his old work jeans. She wants to keep the holes intact, so I figure I can line the holes and stitch around them to secure them to show on the back. Will probably use flannel for the inserts. But first I am going to make myself a test quilt, lap size, with charm squares I have in my stash. I really appreciate all the help from everyone here on the board. Thanks again. Jan

I am using my late husband's jeans for a memory quilt also. I have denim circles cut at 6 1/2" with the 5" blocks for the centers. I read some instructions that said to sew about 3/8" and then snip to almost the stitching line so it will fray more easily. So far the ones I have done are working well. I also used a small stiff brush, like a shoe brush, to start the fraying and reduce the excess threads when it is washed and dried. I also am using cotton/poly on the inserts, since the jeans have been washed many time. I don't want the shrinkage that might occur with cotton fabric and thread.

I did see the video but not crazy about a rag quilt. Could I make the circle a little bigger then fold under the curved edge ? maybe press and tack with glue the do the figure 8 stitching.

Sounds like you want to do the regular/standard Cathederal Windows block. That one is turned under and stitched down. You make it using squares, not circles. There are lots of good tutorials for it here and on you tube.

Jan, one pair of jeans doesn't go far, you may have to add to it. Mumzer, you can zigzag around so it doesn't fray, turning under denim will be a nightmare...it's very bulky. Love denim quilts, they are so warm.

The size would depend how much you want to overlap. Get some paper and try then add a smidgin for the fold over.

I had better success with 7.25 then 7 with 5 inch Moda charm squares. Cut 4 circles large (like 7.5") and make a test 2x2 block and see if the effect is what you would like. You can always cut a circle smaller, but not larger!