Setting in an Improv Layered Circle

It was a bit of a faux pas when I shared the making of an improvisational layered circle with McKinney MQG a few months ago, that I didn't come prepared with instructions for how to incorporate that roundness into a frame or larger block. So here's how I do it.



Lay the pieced circle on top of the 'background' fabric.

Draw around your circle shape with a removeable marker, making a few tick marks - top, bottom, and each side works for me.

With a pin, mark the 'top' of your block and background. Since your circle is likely to be unevenly shaped, it's important that it fits into its frame correctly.

With a small rotary cutter (I suggest 28mm), cut inside your marked circle, estimating 1/4", which will be your seam allowance.

Turn your background in on your circle, repinning at the 'top' and then securing with a pin at each of your other guide-markings.

Sew the two pieces together, gently bringing raw edges together as you sew, and distributing the fabrics smoothly between each quarter. If need be, lift your pressure foot up to redistribute your fabrics, then continue sewing.

Once you've stitched all around, press your seam toward the background, then press from the front side as well. A little steam will help smooth out the perimeter, and any other minor rippling will disappear with quilting.

Here you can see my circle block in my final quilt. Hope you enjoy trying the technique for yourself!



Linking Up with the Fall 2018 Tips and Tutorials Festival!

Improv Layered Circle

After making what I'm calling an Improv Layered Circle for my Bee Sewcial bee-mate, Leanne/she can quilt, there were several requests for a tutorial. So here was my process for what it's worth!

Cut an improv circle. I started with one about 4-5" in diameter. If you're not happy with your first cut, just trim it up a bit until you like it.



Lay your circle on your next fabric (called 'fabric 2' going forward) so it's overlapping only by 1/4 or 1/3 of the circle's circumference. Cut along the circle as indicated by the arrows. Discard the bit that was under the circle.



Clockwise from upper left: Flip fabric 2 over onto the circle, right-sides together, and start sewing where the two meet, working up to 1/4" seam as you sew around the curve. Fabric 2 will look bunchy when you are done, but press the circle seam edges out and things will smooth out. Turn over to right side and press again. Click here for a little video of the sewing bit, in case that helps.



Trim fabric 2 so there's a nice curve, starting and ending right at the circle edge. Repeat with your next fabric!

This is a fun technique that really isn't as difficult as the end result might imply. Go slow on the curves, careful not to pull on those bias edges. After a few rounds, evaluate what you've done and trim as needed before continuing on.

I'm anxious to see how you use the technique, so be sure and use the hashtag #improvlayeredcircle if you post on Instagram.