Appliqueing small circles?

[HomespunMary]

Has any of you applique experts out there any good ideas of how to make perfectly round applique circles without using the raw edge method. I want them very small (somewhere between 1/2" and 3/4" in diameter).

I have tried to make a freezer paper template and iron it onto the fabric, cut it out it a seam allowance, and then sew a thread in the seam allowance and pull it together (sort of like the yo yo thing). I have also tried to sew a circle on the fabric together with interfacing, and then make a slit in the back and turn it all "inside out" (I guess sort of an Eleanor Burns method). Both works OK, but the finished circle edge is "bulging" a little bit here and there. So, I was thinking that maybe there's an even better metod out there, that will leave the circles absolutely round even though they are so small... ?

[Oasis]

Maria, I saw this on Simply Quilts and it is how I do it.

Cut you circle a little bigger than you need. Stitch a tiny basting around the edge (this is why you make it a little bigger). Then use a coin or something that is the size you would like and mark a piece of a file folder or thin cardboard and cut it out. Then lay it in the middle of your fabric circle and draw up your basting, press then slip the paper out and you have the circle.

Depending on what you are making, you could even put a little batting in it so it would stand out just a bit.

Hope this helps. Someone might have a niftyer way also.

Linda/Oasis

[HomespunMary]

Thanks, Linda, I tried that too, but when I took out the cardboard template the circle didn't really look like a circle any more...

I figured I needed more practice, so I went back to the very similar freezer paper method, and left the freezer paper in the circle when I sewed it onto the other fabric. Then cut into the back and took the paper out after I was finished. And, after a few circles this afternoon I think I'm sort of getting there:



This is my test block and newest design! I drew the lady bug on my computer, and then cut it out in template plastic. The dots on the wings are about 3/4", and the dots on the antennas are just over 1/4"! Luckily, I only need 6 blocks

And, yes, after the trapunto experiments this summer, you bet there will be stuffing in the circles, LOL!

[cindyg]

I saw the same episode that Oasis saw and it looked like a very good way to do circles. For the 1/4" circles - I'd use little buttons.

[Oasis]

Maria,

Try spraying a little starch or sizing on it when you press with the insert to help it hold it's shape. You might be able to then remove the paper without having to snip into the back.

Love love your little creation. The fabric is wonderful and color is going to be nice for a baby to see.

Add this one to your dragonfly and with a few more you will have a little "zoo" of cute bugs. You could even patent them and sell them, "Homespun Mary's menagerie of Insects". LOL

Can't wait to see the whole quilt, looks like it will be very cute!

[HomespunMary]

Thanks Linda - will try the starch tonight if I can find any of that stuff here.

I love your idea of the "Menagerie of insects", LOL! But, I think it'll have to wait until I retire in about 25 years from now For this quilt, I'll settle for only the lady bugs...

cindyg, I like the button idea, but since this for a baby I don't think I dare put anything on it that may come loose and end up in the baby's mouth.

[cindyg]

Oh, yes, buttons are not good for a baby quilt. How about satin stitching the little 1/4" circles. I just can't imagine trying to make 1/4" circles to applique on.

[Oasis]

Cindy is right, 1/4 inch if very very small.

Another suggestion is use suede or felt or fleece, something that you don't have to worry about the fraying edge. You can glue them on then do little stitches around the edges just to tack them on. Would give the baby another "touchable" feel.

That 25 years will fly by. I have no idea where the last 20 years went! LOL There I was 40 and now I'm 60, not sure who is looking back in the mirror each morning. LLOL

[Flystitch]

Try www.karenkaybuckley.com She has sets of little washer type thingies that you can iron over. They are really good.

[morgans4]

cut a thick piece of cardboard... from the back of a stationery pad... cut your fabric a little larger and stitch around the edges. Place the cardboard circle inside, pull the threads tight, then when the fabric is covering the cardboard, starch the heck out of it and dry it with you iron. Remove the cardboard and restarch and redry. Perfect circles.