Quilting circles
 

I’ve had some very helpful replies to my question about marking white fabric. Next - I want to quilt a couple of circles onto this wall hanging. I’m experimenting at the moment, trying a walking foot and FMQ, marking the fabric or using paper. The results are inconclusive so far - for one thing, I need more practice! Anyone got any hints or tips, or a preferred method of machine-sewing a circle?

Beyond lots of practice there are a few ( gadgets) on the market for sewing circles. Nancy’s Notions sells one that is adjustable- you can sew circles from very small to quite large. There are also numerous circle ( quilting rulers) available. The rulers are thick enough for your free motion foot to not go over- ruler work takes lots of practice too.

I (speaking of myself) cannot imagine using a walking foot for circles; long, open curves, yes. In fact Craftsy has a class for quilting with walking foot and includes gentle curves. I can FMQ little circles but would use a circle drawn on paper, pin to quilt and FMQ around the circle and throw away the paper as you pull it off. Works very well for me.

Sew as slowly as you can. Mark the circle and use needle down to adjust frequently. Also, an open toe walking foot helps.

https://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/sp...-walking-foot/
http://www.thequiltingedge.com/2013/...lt-spiral.html

I have done circles in the past using the walking foot. It is sometimes hard to get that nice curve when the circles are small. Now, I hope I am not giving bad advice here, but if I remember correctly I needed to lowere the foot pressure to allow me to turn in those curves. Anyone else have any thoughts on lowering the preaser foot preasure?

I found that paper is wonderful. Parchment paper tears easily after the sewing is done.

i tried both yesterday and actually got better results with the walking foot, but that was probably partly because I’m out of practice with FMQ and hadn’t got my movement and machine speed sorted out, so ended up with tiny stitches. But with the WF it was almost impossible to do a small circle. Thanks for confirming that using paper may work - it’s on my list to try! Had a go with freezer paper yesterday - it worked but then I couldn’t get the paper off ��

Thankyou. Will give this a go.

Yes, it’s very difficult to see what I’m doing with my walking foot. In that respect, FMQ was easier, because I’ve got a foot with a transparent disc - had a great view of where I was up to. Now I just need to refresh my FMQ skills....