Last week, we talked about incorporating the shape of circles in our quilts. We barely scratched the surface on the topic, because a myriad of other shapes are possible simply by repeating or overlapping circles. These appealing circle patterns make great machine quilting motifs. Here are just a few ideas.
Concentric Circles
Nest a group of circles by decreasing the diameter of each circle in equal increments.
To quilt concentric circles, trace the lines onto freezer paper and cut out the outermost circle. Press in place on the quilt and stitch around the outside edge of the freezer paper. Remove the freezer paper, cut out the next circle, press and stitch again. Continue cutting, pressing and stitching until all the concentric circles have been quilted.
String of Pearls
Join circles together in a row, to create the delicate look of a string of pearls.
This looks great along a borders edge.
Bubbles
If the circles completely fill the background, they create the effect of bubbles, pebbles – or in this case, pomegranate seeds.
Clamshells
Half-circles, aligned in a row, accentuate an edge beautifully.
When multiple rows of half-circles are stacked and offset, another shape is formed.
This makes a great background fill.
Orange Peel
Overlapping circles creates the “orange peel” shape.
It can be used in a straight line – as seen in the green border with the clamshells – or used as an allover design.
Apple Core
This shape is also formed by overlapping circles.
It creates an interesting pattern when the shapes are rotated and joined together…
… and looks great quilted too.
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