by Sandra | September 27th, 2010
I have good success with the technique I use to get my circles “perfect” (as perfect as possibly human anyway). But…. I am never quick to discount something that may work even better and reduce the steps or prep work.
I use freezer paper ironed to the back side of my fabric, trim with the seam allowance and then baste the seam allowance to the template itself. I do not baste yo yo style and then draw up the gathers to fit around the template. The freezer paper template is removed just prior to completely stitching the circle closed as I applique.
The basting has stitched through the freezer paper, holding the edges in place. The basting will be removed prior to completing the applique stitching
I don’t use starch because I don’t have to. The freezer paper that is inside the circle keeps the edges crisp as I work, and when I remove it at the last, the circle holds it shape beautifully.
There are a couple of new applique circle template products on the market that are basically carbon copies of the other so I tried one of them to see if they would reduce the prep work involved in getting the circles perfect. I also bought some heat resistance template material at the art store to make my own version since I have custom sized circles that don’t match the ready made template products.
Back of Circles: left= freezer paper; right= Perfect Circle Templar
With these heat resistant Templar templates, you baste the seam allowance edges and draw the edges up like a yo yo to mold around the edges of the template. Apply starch and iron the backside so the fabric holds its shape and position. Remove the template and baste/pin to the background in place. No template to remove as in my technique.
Front of Circles. Notice how the freezer paper (left) is already holding its shape well compared to the Templar on right?
But here is where I found where these two techniques deviate significantly–for me. When I pin basted the circle, it distorted the shape a bit, even though I had starched it heavily. I then sew basted it in place to see if that would help. It was a bit better, but not ideal.
The real problem I had was even though the plastic/silicone template material gave me a perfect circle to start with, this advantage was lost during the stitching step. It was easy to distort the edges while stitching since I did not have that firm edge advantage as I stitched with the freezer paper temporarily left in method. I went back to my freezer paper method as I was able to get better results.
After stitching is complete: The Templar circle is more of a distorted oval now and the freezer paper has held its shape almost perfectly.
I also try to avoid starch, glue etc. when at all possible (I always avoid glue). I live in the Pacific NW and Silverfish are a problem. This is the reason I came up with my freezer paper method in the first place. Starch is really not an option and I found it was not really necessary the more I developed my skill.
I found the prep work advantage a wash in comparing the two techniques. I can make hundreds of freezer paper circle templates if I wanted to for a project and complete the prep work for them at one time as I watch TV. It would be cost prohibitive to purchase that many of the circle template products. There are only three each of the different sizes. Plus, I get the exact size circle I need for the pattern, rather than having to substitute with the “closest” size. I rarely invoke the sentence, “it is good enough to pass”.
I do think these templates are a good option for those who don’t have the finger dexterity yet to work with the freezer paper “in” method I use and could be very beneficial to get better shaped circles. Don’t count them out as an option for you. I have developed my stitching skill and finger dexterity over years of working with hand applique so I am able to do better with the freezer paper templates. As you develop your hand applique skills, these may be really helpful and the cost of a set is not prohibitively expensive.
It is nice that we have more options available to us as we develop our individual ”mutt” methods for creating our applique and that, as they say, is always a good thing!
Hi Sandra
I have problems using the “Perfect Circles” too. I might try your technique.
Thanks
Munaiba
I would think you would get less fraying with your technique as well . I have found that was my biggest problem with using plastic templates . Too much handling taking them out , distorts and frays .
I like the idea of not having to take out the template rigt away and keeping it stable when appliqueing.
I’m going to give your way a try .
Thanks
Sandra, Your method for circles is very intriguing! I shall have to give that a try. Exactly how do you remove the freezer paper? Thanks in advance for our explanation. Happy Stitching! Jay
Thank you for this great suggestion. I have a bunch of circles to do and plan to use it right away!
Dear Sandra
Once again you amaze me with your wonderful ideas and generosity in sharing . Thank you so much!
Sandra,
Thank you so much for your kindness in sharing with us your methods!
I too love using your method. Do you use 1 or 2 layers of FP and do you print them on to FP or draw them.
I use tweezers to get inside and pull out the paper just before I close the circle.
Melissa
Sandra, it’s SO nice to hear you know about the beauty of the Isle of Man. When you do come, let me know and I will give you a warm welcome.
Thanks for starting challenging subject of CIRCLES. I learned a wonderful NO PREP WORK technique from Nancy Pearson (USA):
1) mark circle with template in pencil on both background fabric and applique fabric. 2) cut out circle with seam allow. and thumbnail crease this allow. in small overlapping steps. That will keep shape of circle perfectly round. 3) trim seam allow. back to 1.8″ – NO CLIPPING. 4) DO NOT PIN or baste. Start stitching any place along the pencil line in v. small stitches. Think…”circle on background is my guide”. 5) Stop at 1/2″ from end, fold all loose fabric under and continue to the end using needle to pull out fabric until it lines up with pencil line.
Nancy Pearson only wrote one book but it’s worth having.. as yours will be, I have no doubt!
I switched from Perfect Circles and I find your method works best for me too. Wondering how small a circle you have used the freezer inside technique to get a really nice round circle?
I have a block that I left the templar circles in while sewing, popping them out at the last stitch possible, but they were tough to do that way. I may need to give freezer paper another look.
Thanks for sharing.
t
Boop,
You are right and I forgot to mention this, but fraying was a real problem with the templar technique for me too. If I was using a batik, it probably wouldn’t have been too bad, but with a regular cotton? this was a serious issue.
Jay,
I will try and prep a step by step post on the circles.
Arden,
I hope this works for you!
You are so welcome Sara!
Melissa,
I use the thicker Jenkins freezer paper and it gives me enough stifness without having to double on the Reynolds freezer paper. You could, for larger, circles double up the freezer paper, but it would be a bt more difficult to pull out.
I use the tweezers too. Like scissors, I have a collection of these too–for applique.
Trudy,
Thank you for sharing another method! I am a firm believer there is never one way to do anything. Nancy Pearson’s book is in my collection and the first applique book I ever bought.
Denise,
I am glad it wasn’t just me. I have used this method down to a 1/4″ circle. After that (smaller) I don’t need a template anymore (after I tracearound it that is). I mark as normal, trim with seam allowance, pull off the template and pin (one pin) in place and needleturn the edge. Circles are actually easier to do as straight needelturn the smaller they are. Everyone scoffs when I say this, but it is true. You just have to slow down and take it one stitch at a time.
Tammy,
Unfortunately the templar is not as flexible as the freezer paper. Wouldn’t it be the ideal solution if it were?
Sandra,
I so love your blog! A couple of times I have been out of town and found a fabric or thread you had mentioned and have been able to pull up the details on my phone. So cool!
Love your circle technique! Where to you find Jenkins freezer paper? One other question. When printing on fabric, like the tea bag on the teapot, how do you set the ink? Do you just press it? Or use bubble jet?
Sherie