Pattern Matching Curves
Pattern Matching Curves
Skill Level: Intermediate
Demonstration by: Genesis Hall @Gennyfromthequiltblock
Be sure to check out our interview with Genesis here.
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Supplies for this technique:
Olfa tools needed:
CM-9x12-01/YEL Double-Sided Self-Healing Cutting Mat
RM-HG-01/YEL 6”X18” Double-Sided Self-Healing Rotary Mat, Yellow
7-Inch SCS-2 Serrated-Edge Stainless Steel Scissors
RTY-2DX/MAG 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter
28mm RTY-1/C Quick-Change Rotary Cutter
18mm RTY-4 Quick-Change Rotary Cutter
Other items needed:
-Iron/Ironing mat
-Marking tool or pen
-Sewing machine
-Thread (I used Aurifil 50 weight)
-Fabric of your choice
-Ruler
-Thin piece of cardboard
Step 1: Prepare and create template.
Place the cutting mat under the piece of cardboard and draw a dot where you want the center of your circle to be. Using the 18mm rotary cutter, set to the widest width and place the point of the tool on the dot and cut full circle. You may wish to repeat the circular cutting motion twice to ensure the cardboard is fully cut but ensure your point is kept firmly in place without any movement.
Once the circle is fully cut, fold the circle in half and cut on the folded line using scissors. You will only use one half of the circle as a template for this project.
To perforate the template, began sewing with a stitch length of 1.7-2.0 all the way around your half circle with a ¼” seam allowance. Your sewing machine does not need to be threaded for this step. When this is complete you should have little punctured holes all around the perimeter of your 4 3/8 half circle.
Step 2: Cut and assemble fabric.
Iron the portion of the fabric you will be cutting for the project. Once you have a larger piece of fabric, you’ll be able to cut out a smaller piece with the 45mm rotary cutter. For this step you’ll need to ensure the graphics you are cutting are the same size, shape and facing the same direction. Line up the template on half of the graphic where you desire it to be sewn. With the seam allowance folded back, you’ll need to also measure and ensure the graphic is in the center of your template. The top should be the same distance away from the graphic as the bottom. Fold the seam allowance back down. Outline the template with a marking pen for easy cutting if scissors are preference of choice. In this same way, if rotary cutting is preferred, use the cutting mat and the 28mm rotary cutter and cut around the template.
REPEAT FOR THE OTHER SIDE: Next, take your template facing the other side of the half circle and fold over the seam allowance. Place and line up the graphic the exact same way you lined up the other half circle making sure it is centered. Draw around the template with a marking pen. Cut out the template using your preference of scissors or 28mm rotary cutter.
Step 3: Time to sew!
Thread your sewing machine according to manufactures instructions. Sew along the centered straight line with ¼” seam allowance. Press seam open and you should have a 8 ½” perfectly patterned -matched circle!
Genesis also recently posted her first YouTube video detailing her steps for pattern matching curves. Watch the video below!