Technique help: Applique circles Not fusable
 

I do a lot of applique. I usually use fusible (steam a seam 2). I'd like to try doing applique with turned under edges but how to make a good circle?

I know the technique of sewing a facing to the circle. I'd like to try to the technique where you iron under a mylar?? circle template and that creates a perfect circle.

1. Where do you get the circle forms to iron around? I'd need a wide variety of circles.

2. Do you have any other methods you'd like?

Thanks folks.
Mary Jo

Karen Kay Buckely has circle bases of all sizes here:
https://www.karenkaybuckley.com/store.php?cat=2

I like this video of how to make circles using alum. foil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2INxkVfGyqE

I think the late Tom Russell made a lot of circles in his quilts & it seems like I saw a video of him showing how to make them but could not find it on the web.

I've never made applique circles but maybe some of this info. will help you.

Yes.
Here are some of his videos on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...ussell+quilter

edit to say: oops...these are mostly trailers. It looks like his videos are in the archives at The Quilt
Show here: https://thequiltshow.com/

These are their archive links: (you have to scroll down a teeny bit):
https://thequiltshow.com/component/s...e=all&limit=20

I found a lot of tutorials listed here:
https://www.google.com/search?client...rcle+appliques

When I applique circles, I use a long running stitch just inside the edge, leaving long tails with the thread. Then I place a circle of mylar (whatever size I need) and pull the ends of the thread over the mylar circle. That draws the edges up, and when you iron the circles, the mylar forms a sharp crease to sew to. I usually make multiples, and leave the mylar in place until I am ready to applique them. This helps to keep the edges sharp.
You can make circle templates of whatever size you need by drawing around the outside edge of any cirlce-shape. I have used coins, glasses, bowls, coaster lids, cd's etc to get the size I wanted.

I use a compass (school) to make my circles and use template or thin plastic or cardboard.

Thank you. I use a compass too. I will try the cardboard method and then if I decide I need something more precise move to mylar. Off to look at all the videos.

I do it like Nanac but I just use watercolor paper for my template. It is like card stock. I also give them a shot of spray starch after ironing and removing my template then give them another pressing. The technique worked great for me. Made this entire quilt using this method and working on a 2nd one. In the linked quilt all of my circles are 5" but you can do any size circle. The key is to make sure you cut out your template accurately.

https://www.quiltingboard.com/pictures-f5/showcase-asian-fabrics-made-quilted-feline-fanatic-t207883.html

I believe The Stencil Co has a package of assorted size circles. For large circles you can use a cd disk. If you make your own, be sure and get no melt plastic.

After I draw the thread up around the mylar, I usually iron the circle with steam or Best Press. I let it cool (sometimes overnight) and then remove the mylar and sew with an applique stitch.