Welcome back for Part Two of the Simple Circle Quilt Tutorial! Once I have the circles zig- zagged, I pull the threads to the back and tie. (Or backstitch...pulling the threads to the back is just a bit neater looking.)
I chain piece the blocks... Again, the numbers really help since I pick up the pairs in vertical rows. 
I like to then sew them together into four-patch blocks, but I know some of you prefer to do rows instead. Whatever you like..
I chain piece the blocks... Again, the numbers really help since I pick up the pairs in vertical rows. 
I like to then sew them together into four-patch blocks, but I know some of you prefer to do rows instead. Whatever you like..Because my design is an uneven number of rows, the last row is added after all the rest of the blocks are sewn together...
Next, I add my skinny border. For the Pink/Orange Quilt, I used scraps of my greens and pieced a strip 1 1/4 inches wide. For the Blue/Brown one, I decided it needed the POP of some orange, so I decided to use one fabric instead. Measure your circles unit to determine how long to make your border strips. Sew to opposite ends. Then sew the skinny border to the remaining two sides.
Next, I add my skinny border. For the Pink/Orange Quilt, I used scraps of my greens and pieced a strip 1 1/4 inches wide. For the Blue/Brown one, I decided it needed the POP of some orange, so I decided to use one fabric instead. Measure your circles unit to determine how long to make your border strips. Sew to opposite ends. Then sew the skinny border to the remaining two sides.
Remember those 3-inch wide strips of your print fabrics you set aside at the beginning? Now's the time to grab those and stitch them together into two 6-strip units.
Cut those into 6-inch wide blocks. Sew them together end to end, alternating the order between the two units to create a semi-random arrangement.
Sew the piano key border to two opposite ends of the circles unit, then the remaining two sides.(The measurement will not align perfectly- so the end of your piano keys may have a block that is not as wide as the others. I don't mind this. Hope you don't either.... I think it adds to the scrappy-quilt quality....) You can also use some of your leftovers from cutting out the circles if you want to mix it up more or emphasize a particular fabric.
Speaking of scrappy, my piano keys on the Pink/Orange quilt were not 6 inches- they measure 3 1/2 finished. I was using the leftover blocks from the Q-Along, so I actually STARTED with the dimensions of the piano keys, and built the quilt backwards to fit! So there are lots of ways to think about your quilt plan, based on what you have and what you need!
Here's the Blue/Brown top to add to my always growing stack of tops in need of quilting!
Let me know if I need to clarify anything- this is my first Tute! And when you make your own circle quilt, I'd love to post your photos here! Make it...Wonderful!
Thank you so much! I am adding this to my list of "wanna-do" projects!
ReplyDeleteStephanie...this tut is wonderful...great pictures (I am a visual learner) and I think it was quite appropriate that you designed your first blog with circle background...it looks great. I have favorited this link because I definately want to try this one...I think this is just what I was looking for to make for my 22 yr old daughter! Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the finished poduct! Maybe I should have my YW do this for personal progress. How cool would that be? Do you think 14-year-olds with no sewing experience could handle this, or should we wait till they're Laurels?
ReplyDelete-Kate
Kate- I think I'd start with just straight seems first! I'll send you some links to some simple modern quilts! Or how about a group-made quilt, with everyone making a circle or two to contribute to the quilt? Those blocks could be alternated with plain squares to keep it a bit easier. (I did that with our part of our group's Christmas ones.) I think the fabric choices really would make a difference in how the girls would respond to this project!(Glad you like it!!)
ReplyDeleteKate, me again- I meant S-E-A-M-S. Straight seams..... Oops, no spell check for comments I guess!
ReplyDeleteHi! the link for iraqi bundles of love worked for me, but if you're interested just google kristen la flamme...you'll find her blog. sorry it didn't work for you.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to blogland! I love your circle quilts.
ReplyDeleteThe blue and brown circle quilt is GORGEOUS and totally inspiring. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI will make one of these.. and may I say that what you do for women in Iraq is just great.. Women of the world should stick together.. always..
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog, and it is really beautiful. And I love that Circles Quilt tutorial! I have what might be a silly question-do you have any problems with the outside edges of the circles fraying, since they're just zigzagged onto the background?
ReplyDeleteThis is WONDERFUL! I am not in the position to start one now but will certainly put it on my list! Your tutorial is great! Nice job! Come on by and visit my blog when you have time:
ReplyDeletewww.coffeebeansdailies.blogspot.com
Alia from Muscat, Oman
Thanks for the great tut - I have been inspired by your talent. There is something about circles that keep calling me....hmmm, maybe that's why I keep going around in them!
ReplyDeleteI have a question about zig zagging the circles...when you tie the thread in the back, couldn't it easily unravel if you don't backstitch? I definitely think it's neater but just wanted your opinion before I start my Xmas circle quilt. Thanks!
ReplyDeletejodym7@yahoo.com
Found this through AmandaJean (Crazy Mom Quilts!) and had to say it's awesome! I have an upcoming very special baby quilt (for my own baby!) and this is the new current frontrunner. Love it!!!
ReplyDeletei just read through your tutorial posts and they look great! i'm quite excited about my circle quilt. :) thanks for posting all this. i know how much work it is.
ReplyDeleteGreat totorial!! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI found you through Amanda Jean's post. I love this technique! I can't wait to try it. Your tutorial is great - very clear, easy to follow. The results are stunning!!!!
ReplyDeleteI too have found this tutorial through Amanda Jean - it's lovely and I'm definately adding this to 'the list of quilts I want to make'...oh so many quilts, so little time! thanks again! T
ReplyDeleteJody, Your question about back stitching-Either way is fine- just different ways to accomplish the same thing. When I learned to sew, my mom didn't like back stitching, and we pulled threads to the inside. Knotted with longish tails seems pretty secure. Try a sample one and see what you think!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing your method. I would love to make this quilt! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your blog. Just stumbled upon it. How do you pull your threads through to the back to tie off? I've never done this?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the tutorials for the circle quilts. Am looking forward to giving one a try.
Kim D- Thanks for visiting!If you give a gentle tug to the bobbin thread, the top thread stitch will make a little loop. With a pin in the loop, gently pull the top thread to the back, and knot the tie. I make a square knot-don't know if that matters!(Let me know if that makes sense!!:D)
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ReplyDeleteThis is very nice. Thank you for sharing your method. The next time I will try this one
ReplyDeleteI have some questions about the finished size and amount of fabric needed for the background of the front. Could you please email me at angelaalford22@yahoo.com.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I am at work and can't sign in to my blog to leave a proper comment. Shouldn't even be leaving this. he he he :)
Both of these quilts are gorgeous. I was looking for a circle quilt tutorial and this is even better than I imagined. I love your piano key border - especially the pink and green. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBedankt voor je tutorial. Ik begin mijn eigen een in rood en wit. Als je wilt kan ik u een foto gestuurd. Je kan laat het me weten. Maar het is nog niet klaar.
ReplyDeletenogmaals bedankt.
thank you - thank you - THANK YOU for taking the time to write up this great tutorial!!! and you were right it looks to be very easy! ;) I've copied and pasted into a word document and printed out for my to-do list for next year. I'm thinking I will center up each "I-spy" patch onto bright background squares ;) I made a happy quilt square style I-spy quilt for my 5 year old but need to get working on something similar for my boy/girl 2 year old twins.
ReplyDeleteI read that you are a twin? that is so cool! Does she quilt? I saw where you blogged about giving her a quilt for your 50th Birthday.
I'm happy to have found your blog and read all the way back to the beginning!
Stop by and see me too sometime ;)
Love from Texas! ~bonnie
The tutorial is very easy to follow and precise. Definitely on my to be done list. I think it will be easy to do as well. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI was so intimidated by circle quilts until I found this.... I love it! Thanks for sharing this will all of us in bloggieland! I am about to start on a commissioned baby quilt and this just might be the perfect style!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the excellent tutorial - you did a great job of making clear and understandable.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, you did a better job than some "professional" instructions I have read.
lovely quilt too.
I have had this bookmarked and had forgotten how lovely this idea is....next on my list....thanks for sharing the ideas
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this and I am starting mine tonight. I recently ordered about 20 different prints in the Studio E Flourish Line specifically for this project from etsy and I can't wait to get started. Thank you sooooooo much for taking the time to post this tutorial!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful use of scraps....or fat quarter bundles...thank you for all your effort in sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this tutorial! I made a version here http://laurenaphelps.blogspot.com/2010/02/circle-quilt.html
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this tutorial. I love circle quilts. I am just now beginning to collect fabric to start quilting. I have sewn and crafted for 40 years, since I was 7. I hope it as fun and as addictive as everyone says.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this tutorial. I was looking for an easy and quick way to make a quilt and this was it. I adapted your design and cut up a fabric that was too flowery for the circles and then appliqued them onto a background fabric. I then added borders until the quilt was the size i wanted. I wish I could send you a picure as I'm really proud of my first ever quilt. I've caught the quilting bug and its all thanks to you.
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial. Clear, simple and well documented. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pattern and quilt... I don't quilt yet but this makes me want to begin! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLove this quilt! I'm making one for my little daughter for her 5th birthday.
ReplyDeleteI came across this site from HG TV on how to sew circles a little easier. Thought you may want to check it out.
http://www.hgtv.com/video/easy-circle-quilt-blocks-video/index.html
Thank you! I'm in the process of making my circle quilt, but didn't know what to do for the border. I love the piano key look! I put my circles on with wonder-under, and then sewed a straight stitch in about a 1/4 inch. Hope it turns out!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your circle quilt! The blue fabric is so pretty. Your tutorial is perfect. I am a visual learner and that helped immensely. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI really liked the orange colored quilt. You did a good job..I was taught by a teacher to bring the stitch thru to the back and tie it into a knot so I don't think ppl will have any trouble with it coming loose..I have also used back-stitching too,so either way will work.
ReplyDeleteI love the look of this quilt it looks fab, I love the blue/brown colours. I've been looking to do a quilt with circles so thanks for the inspiration and tutorial.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to share the quilt I made with your tutorial. I used the Sultry line by Moda with a couple of additional fabrics (the pink check and the solid pink for the border). I love the finished quilt and I'm going to have a hard time letting it go! I made it as a baby quilt for a friend's baby.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/yourfavoritepassion/5809987566/in/photostream
LOVE this. I am going to go dig into my scraps and try this...NOW. :D
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of stitching did you do to keep all the layers together?
ReplyDeleteSuggestion: To make sure your final quilt is truly "squared": when you measure for the length of the first skinny side borders, fold the quilt top in half lengthwise; measure along the fold; use that measurement to cut the side skinny strips. Fold the side skinny strip in half and half again. Pin to the quilt side at 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 of the length. Sew on easing fullness and gently stretching quilt so the side will be the same measurement on each side as it is in the center. To measure for the skinny top and bottom strips, fold quilt top in half crosswise; measure, etc, same as for the sides. This technique has helped me to square "skewed" quilts. Hope it helps you, too.
ReplyDeleteI am in LOVE with your brown/blue quilt. That orange really pops. Thanks for sharing the tut.
ReplyDeleteGrazie per questo bellissimo tutorial, penso che ci proverò.
ReplyDeleteQuando l'avrò fatto manderò le foto. Un abbraccio.
Marina
Love this and, by the way, great tutorial! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathi! I'd love to see your quilt when you make one!! :D
DeleteIt's amazing! I love it! I would like to ask your permission for linking it to my blog. It would be nice that people from Spain know about what you make. Warm regards
ReplyDeleteThank you Maria! Yes, you may link to my blog. :D
Deletethanks for the quilt tut
ReplyDeleteerwinjudy@ymail.com
Thanks for the great tutorial! I needed a simple and quick circle pattern and yours did the trick. I started my quilt tonight!
ReplyDelete-Cara
Thanks so much for sharing this tutorial. I am a quilting beginner but wanted to make a quilt for my younger daughter using hers/her older sister's baby clothes. The circle quilt would, I think, look great. Hopefully not too difficult for a novice quilter? Just a quick query on sizing though - is the tutorial for a 50 x 50 quilt? I was planning to make a slightly bigger quilt - 80 x 80 (or a little smaller perhaps but not much). Would you be able to advise how many squres and circles might be needed?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Claire
I think you'll enjoy making this quilt, but I would try making a couple of the circle blocks from scrap fabrics first to see how it goes for you. Once you're comfortable with it, then move on to the baby clothes.
DeleteI did the math, and I think if you make 169 circle blocks, add the borders as I've outlined in the tutorial, you'll have a quilt that's about 78x78. If you don't want to make that many circle blocks, you could make your borders wider or add more of them.
Have fun!
I want to try this!! If i was making a quilt to fit a size queen bed, what measures and how many different color fabrics would i need?
ReplyDeleteId love to make this!! Im in quilting in HS i showed my teacher this and she likes it alot! We are kind of worried about how much fabric we would need and the measures to make a queen size?
ReplyDeleteHI! I googled "how big is a queen-sized quilt"…I came up with 90x94. So that's like making me smaller quilt four times. So one way to figure how much fabric you need is to follow my directions times four. You can also make a quilt larger by adding more borders. (Simple strips, or other blocks like 1/2 square triangles, etc.) Good luck with your quilt! I'd love to see a photo if you decide to give circles a try! :D
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