This is not my "invention", I've seen this somewhere before. But it's how I've done the circles on one of the Dear Jane blocks, and it works really well. So here's the method with pictures, hope it makes sense! :-)



Out of stiff cardboard cut the size circle you need. Don't add a seam allowance. Then cut your fabric with a rough 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Use a contrasting thread and tack small even stitches around the seam allowance of the circle. The smaller and more even the stitches, the smoother the edge of your circle will be. If you have a large circle, you can get away with bigger tacking stitches. Leave long threads at the start and finish of your tacking.

Put the cardboard template inside the tacking stitches, and gently pull both ends so the fabric closes over the cardboard.

Keeping the cardboard circle inside, flip the fabric over and press with a hot iron. You can use starch at this point as well to set the seam, but generally the iron does a fine job on it's own.

Take the cardboard circle out, and voila, you have a lovely edged circle ready to stitch to your background.

I use a tiny blindstitch to attach the circle by hand.

These circles are tiny, so they're not exactly perfect. But any little imperfections in the folded edge can be corrected when needleturning.

:-)

Oh Blue, that makes it so much easier, I might even be tempted to try it. Maybe. One day. I DEFINITELY have an anti-applique thing going on. But you make it look tempting, I do admit! LOL

Thanks Blue, for a GREAT tutorial. I'm going to be trying this today if I have time!

Jan

You made it look sew easy :D

I took a class that is similar to this at the PA Quilt show. The instructor used old CD's for the template. She had us cut 6" squares, stitch around them and then like you did, pull it tight. We then ironed it down, removed the CD, did invisible blanket stitch on the top, and then cut out the backside. I think your way is easier!