Questions about the Cut A Round Tool

I am having a hard time understanding the chart on the tool's instruction card. (Print this page for an explanation)

Cut A Round PDF

Questions about the New York Beauty Book

The corner frame template printed in the back of the book (page 15) is incorrect.
(Print the following addendum)

New York Beauty addendum

Questions about the Circle A Round Book

Setting in circles sounds too hard; is it?

Absolutely not. The “trick” is in the accuracy of your cutting. If the circles are cut precise, they will sew together perfectly.

What size rotary cutter do I need with the various Cut A Round tools?

Use a regular 45 mm rotary cutting tool with the large and standard Cut A Round tools. Use a small 28 mm rotary cutting tool with the mini Cut A Round tool.

Are the Cut A Round tools breakable?

Yes. Although the tools are made with High Impact acrylic, they can be broken. We suggest you avoid uneven pressure and dropping. Hang the tool for storage. If your tool does break, you can mend it with an acrylic plastic glue similar to Super Glue. These glues weld the plastic back together.

Questions about the Rings That Bind Book

The book looks overwhelming. Where do I begin?

This is indeed an odd technique, yet it does work. It’s just different from most quilting methods. I suggest you begin with a small project--a table runner or even a one block wall hanging. Use some muslin or fabric from your stash to learn before cutting into your “good stuff” or starting a big project. You need to follow the book step by step. Its not one you can flip through and do without referring to the book. Even though it seems like a lot of details, when you walk through the process, you‘ll find it works great.

Can I buy just the arc tool?

No, you will really need the book for the process. Diagrams are provided for each step, often two diagrams so you can see both the front and back view.

Why do I cut the batting square a smaller size than the drawn square and the interior square?

Cut your batting 11 1/2” square. The batting square is smaller to compensate for the fabric taken up in folding and in the seam. Cutting directions are found on page 29. What are scallops and when are they added? The curved edges of the quilt are the scallops. These pieces are added to the blocks in a similar fashion to the way the blocks are joined together. When we make a wedding ring, we choose to do the scallops first. Although this is our preference, you may find it easier to learn how the blocks are assembled before trying the scallops. You’ll find the scallop instructions on pages 33-36, and block assembly on pages 37-40.

Why does it take so much fabric to make this quilt?

 When you’re looking at the yardage charts, remember the amounts are for both the front and back of your quilt. The backing folds to the front side from the back. Also keep in mind, circle designs are probably not the most efficient use of fabric.

Can I make different sized blocks?

You can make a 9” wedding ring using the smaller arc and a 14 1/2” wedding ring using the larger arc. See the tool page for more information.

Questions about the Wedgeworks I and II Books

What are the two tools included in the Wedgeworks II book?

An 11.25 degree wedge and an insert tool are included in the book. Thirty two wedges make a circle. You can make Mariner’s Compass blocks with 16 or 32 points. The insert tool makes the points.

What makes the Wedgeworks II technique different from other Mariner’s Compass blocks?

Rather than setting in points with difficult Y-seams, the points are made by folding fabric and sandwiching it between wedges. The folded pieces are then opened to form the points.

What is the difference between Wedgeworks I and Wedgeworks II?

Wedgeworks I has a 15 degree wedge included in the book. Twenty four wedges are sewn together to make a circle. There are fifteen designs in this book. One design, the Sunflower Seed Packet was featured on episode 313 of Simply Quilts. The Wedgeworks II book has two tools included, a 11.25 wedge and an insert tool. Wedgeworks II makes a 3-D Mariner’s Compass.

Which one is easier, Wedgeworks I or Wedgeworks II?

One isn’t easier than the other. They’re about the same in degree of difficulty. Choose whichever appeals to you, or try both.

Questions about the Quilts Without Corners Book

Which wedge tool do I need, a nine degree or a ten degree wedge?

Both wedges will work with the designs in Quilts Without Corners. A nine degree wedge uses 40 pieces to make a circle and the ten degree uses 36 pieces. You can see more about the ten degree wedge on the tool page. We do not sell a nine degree wedge.

I would like to design my own 10 degree circle quilt. Any suggestions?

Use the 10 degree wedge graph paper.

Can you miniaturize the Quilt Without Corners designs?

To make half size versions (25” in diameter) change each strip width as follows:

1. Subtract 1/2” from the strip width.
2. Divide by 2.
3. Add 1/2” to the strip width.
4. Place the wedge tool on the smaller strip set adjusting the matching point to half.

How do I hang my 50” circular quilt?

Great question. There are several ways.

1. You can make a pocket on the back before adding the binding. then add a half circle of cardboard to hold the circle edge smooth.
2. You can add a bias tube on the back and insert a plastic tubing to hold the edge rigid.
3. You can sew on a horizontal rod pocket about 1/3 of the way from the top. Insert a wooden slat int the pocket. Then use pins (used sewing machine needles work great) to hold up the top portion.