
2016 Quilt Extravaganza–January Block of the Month
Introducing the first block of the m0nth in the 2016 Quilt Extravaganza, the Scrappy Circle Block. This month you’ll learn how to create a perfect circle without ever cutting a circle.
Have you selected fabrics and created the stratas for your 2016 Block of the Month? Check out the details in the January 9 blog. I encourage you to use as many scraps from your stash as possible.
I’m using bright and neutral fabrics in this color-value-based quilt.
All blocks for 2016 will be created from pieced fabric strata. Read more on this blog post.

Supplies
- One neutral fabric strata
- One bright fabric strata
- Trace ‘n Create Carefree Curves Template
- SofShape Fusible Interfacing
- 45 mm Pinking Rotary Cutter Blade by Clover
- Fine Tip Water Soluble Marking Pen
- Optional: Clover’s Point 2 Point Turner
Construct the Block
- Audition a 12-1/2″ x 12-1/2″ square on the neutral fabric strata.
- Use a 12-1/2″ x 12-1/2″ Omnigrid ruler, positioned 1″ from the short end, to cut the strata on point. Leaving 1″ extra at the end of the strata, leaves behind larger triangles at the end that can be used for other 1–2-1/2″ blocks.
- Set this background square aside.
Create the Appliqué
- Cut a 10″ square from interfacing and bright strata.
- Layer interfacing on the strata, matching smooth side of the interfacing and right side of the fabric. Pin.
- Position the curved template on the interfacing.
- Use a non-permanent fabric marking pen and Circle Template to trace a 9″ circle onto the interfacing.
- Stitch directly on the marked line using a slightly shorter stitch length. It’s always easier to stitch smooth curves with a short stitch length.
- Trim 1/4″ past the stitching line using a pinking rotary blade.
- Carefully remove the center of the interfacing, leaving about 1″. Save the interfacing for a later project when making, perhaps, smaller circles.
- Use a point turner to smooth the curved edge as the interfacing is turned to the wrong side.
- Press.
- The circle front:
Machine Appliqué to Finish
- Fold the background square in half twice to determine the center. Press along the folded sides.
- Open.
- Fold the prepared circle in half twice. Press along the folded edges.
- Open.
- Layer the circle onto the background square aligning foldlines; pin.
- Thread monofilament thread in the top thread of your sewing machine and regular all-purpose thread in the bobbin.
- Use a narrow blanket stitch, zigzag stitch, or straight stitch to machine appliqué the circle to the background.
- Press.
Variation
If you opt to create a neutral circle to apply to a bright background, apply an additional layer of fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the 10″ square before moving to the next steps. The interfacing will prevent the bright colors from peeking through the circle.
What would a Quilt Look Like?
Suppose we were to make a quilt using only this one block style, what would it look like? Digital quilts are made using Electric Quilt 7 (EQ7) software.
- This first digital quilt concept alternates both positive and negative colored blocks and joins them in one quilt. 24 blocks are used to create a 48″ x 72″ quilt.
- The second digital quilt concept features only one block, twisted and turned within the grid layout. The blocks are set with bright cheery yellow sashing strips and pink cornerstones. If this quilt were to be created in fabric, I might make the sashing scrappy from leftover strata strips.
- The last digital quilt concept creates a secondary quilt design by using background strata created in consistent sizes. Notice how the appliquéd circles appear to float above a bold diamond design.
We’ll be using the Carefree Curves Template throughout the entire 2016 Quilt Extravaganza. Watch episodes online for more tips on using the templates in my two-part series featuring the Trace’n Create Carefree Curves tools on Sewing With Nancy.
Watch Quilt with Carefree Curves (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.
To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.
For an opportunity to have a Trace ‘n Create Carefree Curves Template set from Clover, simply leave a comment telling us: What is your favorite size quilt to make.
Sew and Share
Send in a photo of your blocks and quilts and we’ll share with others in upcoming blogs and on Facebook. I’d really like to see what fabrics you’re using! Send the images to [email protected]
Bye for now,
Yvette Alba
I gravitate to making lap and twin size quilts.
Thank you Nancy for demonstrating this new block.
I record all your shows. I’ve learned so much from them.
Susan
I make landscape/art quilts and have never really thought about a “favorite” size because it depends upon the design not the size of a bed.y
Susan
I make landscape/art quilts and have never really thought about a “favorite” size because it depends upon the design not the size of a bed.
Carol
I like generous lap sized quilts bc I’m more likely to finish them! They also are more manageable in my domestic machine as I learn to quilt my own projects. Thanks for the circles 2016 quilt! And also all you do for us to develope our sewing & quilting skills!
Ruth
I like the versatility of double bed size because it can be a cover for a larger bed or a bedspread for a twin bed.
VickiT
My favorite quilt size currently is a lap quilt size. Once I am more familiar doing my own quilting, I hope to be making larger sized quilts.
Sandy
Lap quilts. I have enough large quilts to leave to family. I like lap quilts, as I “might” get them finished and I enjoy giving them to friends.
Rita Long
I like to make throw size mostly.
Linda E in AZ
I like to make lap quilts about 43×60 for our guild’s community quilting efforts.
thanks!
E. Ann
I like twin size quilts which can be used as your own personal snuggie. I Love all these designs especially the one that looks more like a traditional quilt with the neutral color circle. But like the others too!! Can’t decide on a fav design. Great technique!!
Mary Hutteman
I like to make twin size quilts for my children and to have in our camper instead of sleeping bags.
Kris Janssen
Because I have made enough larger bed quilts (queen and king), I’ve started with more lap and twin size lately. This gives my family an appropriately sized quilt to use when watching TV or a movie. Besides taking less time, they are easier to store when it comes time for a change.
Deb
Most of my quilting is for gifts so my favorite size is queen for weddings. I’d love to be making more baby quilts!
Ruth Lutz
Nancy,
I love this creative block and look forward to trying it soon! My favorite quilt to make is an oversized lap quilt. My next project will be a twin quilt. Thank you for all the ways you inspire me to be a better sewist!
Joe Helen
My favorite size quilt is whatever size I’m working on for that special person I have in mind.
Deborah Whaley
I seem to gravitate toward wanting to make a King size quilt. Sometimes I am smart enough to stop before then.
Judy Schwarzmann
I prefer smaller wall quilts so the size would be 30-40 wide by 30-60 long.
Patty
I like to make double bed size quilts. The ability to have it as a bed covering or throw makes it more useful
Kathy
I prefer making lap size quilts that I can quilt myself.
Joan Sawyer
I tend to plan full – queen size quilts, and then I dread basting them! Thank you for offering such a useful prize.
Marianne
IT IS WHAT IS….. I aim for a size and shape. sometimes it grows or shrinks as I progress….
MARILOU
I PREFER LAP AND BABY QUILTS
Michelle Lynch
Right now my favorite size is grandchild size….which ranges from twin bed down to crib. 36″ x 45″ up to 65″ x90″. This looks like it will be a great block of the month quilt!
Camille
I like mini quilts. They are fun, projects and are a nice gift for friends.
Marsha Nelson
I usually make queen size quilts because my grandchildren are getting older and I want a quilt ready for when they get married. I make smaller quilts for children’s charities.
Helen
I like to make lap or throw size quilts as they go together quickly. The templates available for this BOM quilt speed the process along.
Barbara Lussier
I’m not really a quilter, but I like to learn all the quilting techniques and use them in other projects, like jackets, table runners, curtains, etc.
Ursula M
Smaller size are usually what floats my boat.
Something for a child or baby or wall.
Joyce
I make mostly full to queen size quilts. Thanks for all you do to keep us updated on new ideas and techniques.
Janine R
My favorite size is crib quilt. Easy to machine quilt and fast to finish.
Jeanette Krebs
My favorite size is lap sized. This way, I can give to my children and grand children more often.
Faye
I have learned a bundle from you, My favorite size is a crib or queen as I always have someone waiting in line for them. I love to hand quilt after I have pieced them by machine.
Jodi Bowlden
I have two favorites, and they happen to be polar opposites. A king size is a favorite because I can use it on my bed. I get to see it every day. The other is a lap quilt, These go together fast so the instant gratification fix is achieved. Either way, when I see them it makes me smile at my accomplishments.
Cindy Schultz
I like wall hanging or lap size quilts. They are easier to free motion quilt and are not so intimidating to finish.
Marty
Right now I’m making quilts for 18″ doll and her owner but most like to make queen-sized quilts. Love this strata idea and will do mine in darker and nature-hue batiks plus neutrals: thanks for this great concept because I’ve always avoided circle appliques previously.
Phyl McCord
Lap quilts are my favourite size.. They lay on my chairs and couches and I can switch them out easily as the mood takes me.
Lillian K
I enjoy making throw size quits because I can more easily quilt them myself on my domestic machine. Also enjoy table toppers and mini-quilts.
Doris Henderson
Not sure what size I enjoy most, I made the two granddaughter a biscuit quilt for Christmas, one was a queen and the other was a twin size and I also made a crib size biscuit quilt for my great niece Madilyn.
Cassy L.
I make all sizes but lap size is my favorite.
Laurel
Until recently, my favorite size quilt to make has been a wall hanging because I could quilt it easily. I just bought a new machine with more space to the right of the needle because I wanted to make larger quilts. Just a few weeks ago I made a twin size quilt for a friend and quilting it was delightful because of that extra space my new machine has. Now I’ll re-think the size limitations I’ve placed on my quilts and try bigger ones!
Marvie
I like making Queens. I like for them to cover a bed.
Jan Harbuck
I usually make queen and king-sized quilts for use on beds. Would love to have this tool and make one of the variations of this circle quilt!
myra karachy
I like working together with other women to make a bed size quilt to be raffled off for charity
myra karachy
I like working together with other women to make a bed size quilt to be raffled of for charity.
Pat
I prefer making a lap size or wall size quilt. The smaller size is easier to quilt on a home sewing machine and allows me to make more quilts! Thanks for the chance to win.
Juanita
I enjoy reading your blog posts. I enjoy scrappy projects and will follow the ideas you have shown.
Juanita
My favorite quilt to make is a lap quilt. They are useful while sitting or on the foot of the bed .
Helen Tulip
I prefer to make double bed sized quilts, though most recipients want queen or king size, so thats what I do, Helen
Jan F
I like making lap quilts and wall hangings. The smaller sizes are easier to manage and they make great gifts.
Jan Cash
My favorite size is a twin. It’s still small enough for me to quilt and just the right size to cuddle up in! (Love the circles, especially the last lay-out!)
Sandy
Favorite size to make is crib, but i really need queen for the bed.
Robin
I like to make wall hangings because of the size. However, I want to make a King sized quilt for my bed.
Starla
I like making lap quilts, of course, but also enjoy making wall hangings. For Christmas, I made each of three friends a wall hanging featuring a stylized version of her house — one was a ranch, one a farmhouse, and the other more of a saltbox style. I especially liked making the details, such as shingles, a window flower box, or a doggy looking out a window, waiting for his owner to come home.
Debe
I like lap & baby quilts. I tend to get them done. I have made a queen embroidered quilt & some twin size.
Vickey Stamps
much of my time gets involved with making two foot free cloth dolls for very sick kids, leaving little time for large projects. So it is small stuff for me. (Only 3 of us work on dolls)
At any rate I love this tutorial and what a bright happy quilt it would make to go with the dolls. Thanks for Sharing.
(www.dollsforverysuckkids.com)
MaryKay King
Most of my quilts are approximately 80″ sq. for a double bed or a 60″ sq. topper used for extra warmth or as a gift. This can use up the left over fabrics from the large quilt with extras from the scrap basket. And the smaller size quilts give me the opportunity to try many different patterns. Thank you for all of your tips and new ideas that your on-line blog brings to the internet. Quilting is alive and ever changing with new ideas……..I love it!
Cindy B.
I love making baby quilts and Hawaiin quilts for wall hangings. Thank you for the great tips for quilting in circles.
Mary B
Lap size quilts, by far!! Big enough to use all the fabric line precuts that I love but small enough I don’t get bored or interrupted and the cost to buy fabric, to have long armed quilted or to free motion quilt at home is manageable. I can realistically get the lap size quilt done!!
Debbie E
My favorite quilts are doll and lap size.
Mary Ellen
I tend to make double size quilts ,wall Hangings and Table Runners.
Anne Brennan
Nancy, I love this technique! Wish I’d thought of it. 🙂
I mostly sew lap quilts and bed quilts, though I do some wall hangings and table runners, too. I’d say about 70 percent of my quilts are bed quilts.
Anne
Rhonda D in KY
My favorite size is no larger than a baby quilt. Lately I’ve been working on some art quilts and miniatures.
Peggy
I like the throw size quilt. Great for the couch and grandkids. Thank you for showing us this new block. Wishing you the best always.
Mary
I enjoy lap & wall sizes the most. Working with quilts of these sizes means they are more likely to be completed rather than sitting in a pile for the inspiration to complete the project hits.
Every Thursday at 3:00 pm I can be found watching your show on my local PBS station UNC-TV. Everyone knows that I am not to be disturbed during my time with Nancy!
Ell
Lap quilts or similar sizes are easy and quicker to complete, so I prefer that size.
ella ruth
Wanting to make a full size for my grandson. Thank you for sharing, Nancy. : )
Renea
I like to make queen size and lap size quilts. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.
Carol
I like the crib size quilt. They make wonderful gifts for little ones.
Becky Payne
My favorite size quilt to make is a lap size. I can manage it just fine on my Ellisimo Gold!
susan718
I like wall hangings and crib quilts. Thank you for the great giveaway!
Carol
I like making cute crib sized quilts for all of the cute babies.
Deanna
I love to make crib quilts & lap quilts. They’re quick and easy.
Vollena Clay
I like to make lap and queen size but the next I want to make a double.
Stacia
I like to make big scrappy bed quilts.
VickiR
My favorite size of quilt to make is crib size. I’m a beginner and I need to complete the quilt quickly to see that I can get it done. Completing one block a month seems not to be such a daunting project.
vollena Clay
This is the first time I have left a RESPONSE.
Cindy Cooke
I love to make baby quilts and quilts for toddlers. Not only do I get the almost instant gratification of a smaller quilt, but seeing the delight on a child (or mother’s) face when they’re given the quilt creates a wonderful feeling deep down in my heart. I am excited about using this first BOM of 2016 to make a whole quilt for my granddaughter.
Thanks for the idea AND the opportunity, Nancy!
Sharie
Usually make Queen size. Grandkids like that size and our quilt guild does that size for Burn quilts. We give a quilt to families in our parish(county) who have suffered a house fire. Thank you for chance to win this template set !
Gail Beam
I liked making baby quilts when my grandchildren were little!
Cindy
I enjoy making child/crib size or smaller wall hangings over the larger size quilts. Easier to quilt, design, and less time to complete
Tina
I have done a few minis but want to attempt a full size quilt!
Barbara Felder
I’m just learning to quilt. My goal for christmas 2016 is to make bed size quilts for my family. I think this would be a great gift for those that have everything.
Harriet wetherell
I sew lap size quilts for my prayers and squares sewing group. We also make baby size for Bella house in Plano Tx for unwed mothers. Quilts are a source of comfort and I enjoy the work . Love learning new patterns and would like to be more accurate with circles.
Michelle Hall
I am new to quilting but I think I would like to make lap quilts as the small size would help make them easier to finish
Janet Magee
I’m new to quilting. I think crib size quilts are the way to start out.
Karin
I like to make crib and lap size quilts!
Maryln Rufenacht
I like to make queen sized quilts.
Cheryl
I like to making big lap quilts, we use them a lot. Also queen size for beds. I love watching and learning from you
Eleanor Rieth
I make lap robes for charity. But, for my family I make queen sized to fit most beds. Thank you for the fresh ideas for both!
Kay
Can you please clarify the directions? You say to cut a 10″ square from the bright strata and trace a 6″ circle on to it and the interfacing. This would leave 2″ between the edge of the square and the circle (10 – 6 = 4 , 4 divided by 2 sides = 2″). Yet the photographs show the circle to be much closer than 2″ to each side. Is there a typo in the instructions? Please help.
Nancy Zieman
Dear Kay,
The background is cut 12-1/2″ and we did cut a 10″ square from the bright strata. The finished size of the circle is 8-1/2″; a minimum of a 1/4″ seam allowance is needed around that 8-1/2″. You could cut a 9″ square instead of a 10″ to save fabric.
Thank you for following along.
Karrie Smith
My favorite is lap sized
Carrie s
Wow this is so me,,,I just love this and from the responses above I think a lot of us do too!
Sally Groff
I enjoy making queen sized quilts.
kate
I usually start out with a lap quilt, but end up with a “between” twin/lap, this years colors are going to be great! I love your color choices. I pray you are doing well!
kate
I love the colors Nancy, I usually start out with a lap quilt but most of the time it’s closer to a twin, I pray you’re doing well!
Lorij
I just enjoy making quilts. What ever size I’m making at the time is my favorite. Most of the time I machine piece but I always hand quilt. Sometimes I hand piece too. I like the circles if made small enough it would look like a large polka dot. I love polka dots. Umm, that may be the next quilt I make. Hope you’re doing well
Cheryl
My favorite size quilt to make is a throw or lap size. I like to make people happy snuggled up on the couch!
Thanks.
Carol P
Lap size, I can make more!
Barb
Lap quilt size is my favorite. I love this January block. Can’t wait to see next months!
Maggie Drafts
I like all sizes, actually, but most of my quilts are made to be given to our local children’s hospital, so they are made at least 45×60, a bit bigger if the fabric choice dictates that it go to a teenager!
Nancy, my prayers for you are for a COMPLETE healing!
(Retired oncology RN)
Linda
I like to make any size quilt.
Debbie
I make quilts based upon who is the recipient and the size they want it to be. I’ve made crib, lap, twin and full size quilts. My goal is to make a king size eventually. Love the alternate concepts of this simple circle! Can’t wait to see the submitted pics of the circle quilts!
JudiY
This would only be my 4th quilt, so I have no idea yet what size I like to make. 🙂 Question: I made the strata 14″ high, as suggested in the first post. But when I measure the Omnigrid 12 1/2 square point to point, it’s over 17″ and doesn’t fit. I’m sure I’m missing something, but I’ve re-read both posts several times and can’t see what I’m doing wrong… Help!
Nancy Zieman
Dear Judy, you are doing nothing wrong, the person who wrote the directions—me—was wrong! My apologies. Please add a few more crosswise strips to your stratas to make the height of the strata at least 18″.
I’ve very sorry I made this error, but I think it is a quick resolve. The directions have been correction thanks in part ot you.
Nancy
Nancy Zieman
Dear friends,
Yup, I made a mistake! Judy Y and Lorna discovered my error. The minimum size of the stratas should be 17″. When I re-measured the stratas, they were 18″ in width, not 14″. Thank you for finding my mistake.
As you both found out, adding a few extra crosswise strips solved the problem. We’ll make the changes in the blog posts. My sincere apologies!
Egg on my face,
Nancy
Carol Parker
Just curious. Is there a way to make this a quilt-as-you-go quilt by quilting each block separately the joining them at the end? My bucket list for quilting included doing a QAYG and your quilt of the month this year. Do you have a tutorial for QAYG or can you suggest one?
Carol Parker
After reading message from Kay, I am confused. Do we cut a 6 inch circle or a 9 inch circle that appliques to 8 1/2?
Vivian Oaks
I enjoy making quilts that will fit on beds, so as a general rule, most of them are twin to queen size. Obviously I don’t get a lot done over the course of the year, but
Donna
I’m just starting my quilting adventure and I am enjoying wall quilts because they are small enough to control and I am enjoying seeing my progress on the wall as I walk past.
Donna Philip
I like wall quilts because I can have them for seasons, holidays, or just for fun to put on the wall and enjoy.
Donna Philip
I like wall quilts because I can have them for seasons, holidays, or just for fun to put on the wall and enjoy.
O.K.–this is the second revised comment and you keep saying I have already said this. Either you have no more room for comments, or ???????
Donna Cost
I haven’t been receiving the 2016 BOM’s. I got Jan and Feb but no more. Please send me March, April, and May and hopefully I’ll receive June.
Thanks,
Donna Cost