Happy Pi Day

Today is 3/14 and therefore pi day.  My two oldest sons are studying to be engineers and math is a big part of that so we celebrate pi day.  I made pineapple smoothies for breakfast.  We will have pot pie and coconut cream pie for dinner.  I have math jokes and activities planned for tonight.  And here on my blog I am re-posting my perfect circle tutorial.  Hope you have a great pi day!

There are times when you need the perfect circle on your quilt.  Blocks like drunkards path and Dresden plates are a couple of examples.

Or sometimes it’s just fun to make a circle block.

If the perfect circle eludes you; here is a little trick that may help.

First cut the size of circle you need for your block out of card stock.  Or you can recycle an old cereal or cracker box.

Next place your card stock circle on top of your fabric and cut a generous 1/2″ seam allowance all the way around. 

Then set your sewing machine stitch to its greatest length and stitch a 1/4″ all the way around your fabric circle.

Gather just until the edges start to turn up on your circle.

Then place your card stock circle in the center of your fabric circle and continue to gather until your fabric circle encases your card stock circle.

Press using steam to set edge of circle.

Pop out your card stock circle.  Place your fabric circle where you need it on your block and top stitch in place.

And there you have it a perfect circle.