When I shared my Crop Circles Table Runner in December, I immediately wanted to create a tutorial to show how I pieced the quarter arch blocks. This week I had a small window of opportunity to make a sample block and photograph the steps, so without further ado, let’s get started!
Note that this tutorial does not cover in depth tips on sewing quarter circles and assumes a basic proficiency in curved piecing.
Quarter Arch Tutorial – Materials
Materials Needed
- A pair of 6 1/2″ and 5 1/2″ quarter circle templates. I use templates from Jen Carlton Bailly.
- A 28mm rotary cutter and cutting mat
- Arch Fabric – Blue in this tutorial
- One pieced quarter arch block can be made from (1) 7″ square
- Background Fabric – Off-White in this tutorial
- One pieced quarter arch block can be made from (2) 7″ squares
Quarter Arch Tutorial – Cut Arch Fabric
From the Arch Fabric, cut the convex 6 1/2″ quarter circle template shape using your 28mm rotary cutter.
Quarter Arch Tutorial – Cut Arch Fabric
I suggest finger pressing the arch fabric convex piece into quarters along the cut edge to aid in piecing.
Quarter Arch Tutorial – Cut Background Fabric
From the Background Fabric, cut the concave 6 1/2″ quarter circle template shape using your 28mm rotary cutter.
Quarter Arch Tutorial – Cut Background Fabric
I suggest finger pressing the background fabric concave piece into quarters along the cut edge to aid in piecing.
Quarter Arch Tutorial – Piece Quarter Circle
Using the finger pressed marks to align the edges, sew the arch convex and background concave quarter circle pieces together using your favorite method (pinning edges, glue basting, etc.).
Quarter Arch Tutorial – Cut Second Background Fabric Piece
From the Arch Fabric, cut the convex 5 1/2″ quarter circle template shape using your 28mm rotary cutter and finger press the cut edge into quarters.
Quarter Arch Tutorial – Cut Pieced Quarter Circle
Using the 5 1/2″ concave quarter circle template, carefully align the short edges of the template with the two edges of the arch fabric in your pieced quarter circle block. Using your 28mm rotary cutter, cut along the template and finger press the cut edge of the arch fabric into quarters.
Quarter Arch Tutorial – Piece Quarter Arch Block
Using the finger pressed marks to align the edges, sew the background convex and pieced concave quarter circle pieces together using your favorite method (pinning edges, glue basting, etc.).
Quarter Arch Tutorial – Trim to 6″ Square
Making sure to align the 1/4″ marks on your ruler with the outer edge of the pieced arch, trim the quarter arch block to 6″ square.
Quarter Arch Tutorial – Trim to 6″ Square
The photo above clearly shows the 1/4″ marks aligned with the edge of the arch.
Crop Circles Table Runner
Repeat as needed for your project. 4 Quarter Arch blocks can be combined to create a pieced outlined circle, or you can arrange them in any way that you desire for your curved piecing needs!
For a thinner line, use templates that are closer in size; for instance, a 6 1/2″ template set and a 6″ template set.
I love drunkard’s path blocks! I haven’t used these templates, but they sure look easy to use! Love seeing that table runner again 🙂
You make it look so easy, Yvonne!
Thanks Yvonne…Now you have me looking adding circle templates to my list of needed supplies. lol
Thanks for the tutorial! Once you get in the groove DP’s become easier and easier to make! I love the double blocks, but have yet to really get into making them. You have me itching to try it though!
Curved piecing is on my list of things to try. Thanks for the tutorial.
I’ve made lots of Drunkard’s Path blocks but have yet to add another layer making it into a ring. Lots of ideas though so maybe one day. Plastic templates sure help with these blocks. Thanks for the tutorial.
Hello Yvonne, I have tried piecing Drunkards Path and the Double Wedding Ring and both were challenging. Yet, the quilts all turned out fabulously. You did a fantastic tutorial and because of that it makes these types of blocks so easy to try and succeed with. Thank you for sharing your talents with us! I know I appreciate and use these tutorials when I am facing a curved piecing challenge again.
I also wanted to mention how much I enjoyed yesterdays post! The article in the New York Times on the use of scissors in the orchestra (I so apologize my memory has forgotten the names already) used in telling the history of the fire and all of the lives lost. The article was fascinating and I am glad that you made it available for us to read. I would never have found something such as this on my own. It truly was fascinating in every aspect and I hope that every other follower took the time and also read your newsletter! So very often, my brain damage causes problems and for instance, it was late yesterday afternoon when I read it and my brain was to tired to respond. Again thank you, Yvonne, for discovering and researching to include these types of stories for us to read.
Have a marvelous day!
Very nice! I need to get some curve templates!
I have wondered how you get everything to beautifully neat and precise. Now I know. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I love that blue print. ♥
I bookmarked this. I don’t think my brain can quite cope with it today….but it looks very interesting.
I’m definitely saving this post. It’s timely as I’m dipping my toe into curves this month since our IG Honeybees queen Amanda chose the Fizzy block. I have to confess to being a little nervous about making the block, but I hope to carve out some time next weekend to take my time and learn/practice this new skill. Take care, Mary
Great tutorial and a llovely way to get these decreasing sizes to work. I, too, shall be bookmarking this one.
Great tutorial! I can think of so many interesting designs that use outlined circles and lines. There is something special about lines on solids. I also love the simple yet effective quilting on the table runner!