nanna-up-north

One of the things I've done when I didn't have any mylar is to make a thick template using freezer paper. I iron 3 or 4 layers together and then cut my shape. You can do the running thread thing, spray starch and then remove the template.

I like the method where you sew backing fabric around the circle, then cut a slit in the backing fabric and turn it inside out. There are lots of ways to make applique circles that don't cost much of anything.

Anniedeb

I absolutely love Karen Kay Buckley's perfect circles! They are heavy, and stand up to high heat. I tried making my own out of mylar, but they warped and melted. I also tried freezer paper, but when I made my circles I used starch and heat, and the freezer paper seemed to lose it's "edge" from the spray starch. I ordered Karen's circles, and love the way they turned out. I'm finishing up my version of a Country Whig Rose quilt that has 104 turned edge circles on it.

luvstoquilt

I use Karen Kay Buckley’s and love them

Kassaundra

I use multiple layers of freezer paper to make my circle templates, and compass or protractor I forget which it is called has a pivot point and a place for a pencil. I do a lot of circles. I also do a reverse applique if the backing isn't going to be pieced. I use freezer paper for that too. Press it to the back of the fabric (background) cut a hole out of the middle of the circle spot leaving about 3/8 to 1/2 inch, notch it all the way around press the tabs back to form a folded edge, let it cool then remove the freezer paper, place it over the "circle" fabric use a little stick glue to hold things in place long enough to stitch around the edge. That way there is no "bulk" under the edge on your circle.

citruscountyquilter

I use either Karen Kay Buckley circles or make my own using heat resistant template plastic. It is difficult to cut smooth edge on circles, especially the smaller ones, so I use a nail file to smooth out the little peaks that happen when you cut.
I make my fabric circle a little larger than my template and do a running stitch around. I then use a small paint brush to brush starch on the edges and then draw the edges up by pulling on the thread. Press with a hot iron, pop out the template when dry and perfect circle.

nativetexan

if you get Mylar, be sure it is heat proof. good luck on your circles. they can be fun.

Lena1952

I use empty cereal boxes, cut the size circle I want, usually determined by the size saucers,plates, etc, cover in foil. Cut your fabric 1/4" - 1/2" larger than the cir le you want to make, run a line of basting stitches around the outside of fabric. Once you have your basting done, place onto foil covered circle and draw up thread snugly and press. I leave basting thread in until partially sewn down. Has work well for me for years. Whatever way you choose, have fun with it!

Onebyone

Once I started using Appliquick tools and techniques I won't do applique any other way. I get perfect circles from 1/4" round to as big as I want. The tools are excellent. I use stabilizer instead of fusible for most of the applique.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoQdaN6hfUI

nantucketsue

I save the cardboard circles from the tops of frozen ice cream cones as templates.

mengler

Olfa circle cutter. Perfect circle cutter up to 8 1/2 inch circles.