How to Make the Circle Gets the Square Quilt Block | With Bob

I call this one Circle Gets the Square, and let me tell you, I've absolutely fallen in love with this quilt! All those beautiful fabrics and curves come together to create something really special. Now, I'll admit, sewing curves used to intimidate me, but this project completely changed my mind! With just two 10-inch fabric squares, a curved ruler, and a little patience, you can make two beautiful quilt blocks in no time. In fact, I made two finished blocks in just 14 minutes! So, if you've been avoiding curved piecing, this might be the project that changes your mind, too!

What You'll Need

• Layer cake (10-inch fabric squares)

• Creative Grids Circle Savvy Ruler

• 28 mm rotary cutter

• Cutting mat (rotating mat recommended)

• Quilting ruler

• Sewing machine and thread

• Straight pins

• Iron

Block Size: 9 inches square before joining

For this project, I used the Geo Bloom collection from Art Gallery Fabrics, but any layer cake will work! Just choose fabrics with plenty of contrast to make those curves stand out.

Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Fabric

Start with two contrasting 10-inch squares from your layer cake. I like pairing bold prints with softer colors to really make the design pop.

Trim away the jagged edges, making sure both pieces are true 10-inch squares.

Step 2: Cut Your Curves

Place your Creative Grids Circle Savvy Ruler on your fabric and cut along the largest curved line, following the ruler's cutting instructions.

Repeat with your second square, then swap the curved sections between the two fabrics to create two contrasting blocks.

Bob's Tip: I recommend using a 28 mm rotary cutter. The smaller blade follows curves much more easily than a 45 mm cutter!

Step 3: Find and Pin the Centers

Fold each curved piece in half and finger-press the center of the curved edge.

Place your two contrasting pieces right sides together, matching those center creases. Secure them with a pin.

Don't worry if the remaining edges don't line up. We'll work those curves together as we sew!

Step 4: Sew Your Curves

Starting at the center, sew toward one outside edge using a ¼-inch seam allowance.

Stitch three to five stitches at a time, stopping with your needle down to lift the presser foot and gently adjust the fabric around the curve.

Return to the center and sew toward the opposite edge, gently guiding the fabric as you go.

Repeat with your remaining curved pieces to make your second block.

Bob's Tip: Don't try to force the fabric around the curve. Just take a few stitches, adjust, and keep going!

Step 5: Trim Your Blocks

Once sewn, your blocks may look a little uneven. That's perfectly normal!

We're going to trim each one to 9 inches square.

1. Place your block on a rotating cutting mat, positioning one curved-seam endpoint at the intersection of the 2-inch markings.

2. Align the opposite endpoint with the mat's 45-degree diagonal line.

3. Trim two sides at the 11-inch markings.

4. Rotate and trim the remaining sides at the 2-inch markings.

That gives you a 9-inch square!

Don't worry if a little fabric falls short of the trimming line. Small variations are normal with curves, as long as there's enough fabric to catch in your seam allowance.

Step 6: Arrange and Assemble Your Quilt

Continue making blocks with different fabric combinations until you have enough for your quilt.

Arrange and rotate your blocks to create your favorite design. Once you're happy with the layout, sew the blocks into rows using a ¼-inch seam allowance, then join your rows to complete the quilt top!

Remember, your curves don't have to be absolutely perfect. Mine weren't, and just look how beautifully they came together!

Give Those Curves a Try!

Well, there you have it! Circle Gets the Square is proof that sewing curves doesn't have to be scary. I used to avoid them myself, but this project has certainly changed my mind! I hope you'll give it a try and have some fun playing with different fabric combinations. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more sewing and quilting inspiration, and check back every Monday for a brand-new project! Until next time, happy sewing!