39 the circle quilt tutorial, part one: creating your blocks.

Update:  I've re-written this tutorial, you can find the new one here!  But you can still use this old one if you prefer instead :)

Thank you all so much for the wonderful comments on the circle quilt!  It seems like there is an interest for a tutorial, so here it is.  I'm going to split it into a few posts because there are a lot of steps.  

Step 1: Pick out your fabrics!  

For a 38" x 50" quilt, you will need: 2 yds fabric for main blocks - I used white Kona cotton 
1/4 yd each of 6 coordinating fabrics for circles
2 yds medium weight fusible interfacing
2 yd fabric for backing - I used a confetti print flannel
38" x 50" low loft quilt batting - I bought a package that was crib sized (45" x 60")
5 yd double fold bias tape - I used 2 packs of 7/8" light gray double fold bias tape (total of 6 yds)
Coordinating thread - I used light gray to match the binding

Step 2: Iron your interfacing to the wrong side of one of your circle fabrics.  This will make the circles easier to applique onto your quilt, and it also makes the fabric less likely to fray.  It's best to start in the middle of your fabric and work your way out towards the edges.  Press your iron down onto the fabric and then lift up and move to the next place rather than moving the iron around on the fabric.  This technique helps prevent wrinkles and bubbling in the fabric.

Step 3: Use a template or circle cutter to cut out a circle that is 5" in diameter.  Cut out 8 circles from each fabric. 


Step 4: Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with the rest of your circle fabrics.  You should have 48 circles when you are finished, 8 of each of the 6 colors.

Step 5:  Cut out 48 squares that are 7 1/4" x 7 1/4" from your block fabric.  It helps if you have a husband who will cut you a plexiglas template.  Then there is no measuring and squaring up required!  My favorite kind of fabric cutting :)

Step 6:  Iron your circles and blocks.

Step 7:  Fold your circle in half and press.

Step 8: Fold your circle in half in the other direction and press.

Step 10:  Fold a block in half and press.

Step 11: Fold the block in half in the other direction and press.

Step 12:  Repeat Steps 10 and 11 for all of your blocks.

Step 13:  Place your circle on top of a block and line up the creases to center the circle and press.

Step 14:  Pin your circle to the block.  I used one pin in the center to hold it in place and pinned all along the outer edge.  This may seem like a lot of pins, but it ensures that your fabric isn't going to go anywhere while you're sewing around the edges.  No one wants a stretched out circle that more closely resembles an oval!  Make sure your pins all go in one direction so they're easy to pull out as you are sewing.  

Step 15:  Repeat Steps 13 and 14 for all 48 blocks.

Step 16:  Now it's time to sew our blocks!  I used a blanket stitch to applique the circles onto the blocks.  A zigzag stitch would work as well.

Step 17:  Begin sewing your circle onto your block.  Go slowly at first to get the hang of the turning.  Your stitching doesn't have to be absolutely perfect since we'll be going over it again later, but it would be nice if it was close!

Step 18:  Before you finish sewing completely around the block, pull your starting threads to the back.  Continue sewing the rest of the way around, stop, and pull your end threads to the back as well.  Tie threads in a knot and trim.  

Note:  You can skip this step if you'd like and backstitch, but tying the threads looks a little cleaner.

Step 19:  Press your block.  It's finished!  

Step 20:  Repeat Steps 18 and 19 for the remaining blocks.

Step 21:  Take a break and admire your pretty blocks!  There should be 8 of each color when you are finished, for a total of 48 blocks.

Next, we'll assemble the quilt top and put it all together!  Click here for part two of this tutorial.

Note:  I read this tutorial before making my own quilt, so several of the steps are the same, however the measurements and quilting techniques are different, and I've added a few steps for the beginner quilter (like myself).