Master Inset Circles with the Stunning Celestial Spin Block

If you’ve ever been curious about making inset circles in your quilting, now’s the time to learn! This month’s featured Mix and Match Block, Celestial Spin, is a design by the incredibly talented Hillary Cooper of Quiltberry Hill Designs. Its playful circular design brings a modern touch to your quilts, and I’ll show you exactly how to tackle those inset circles with ease and confidence.

But here’s the catch—this block is only available to Quilt Club members, and the doors to the Sweet Potato Quilt Club close on January 4th. Don’t wait to join and get started on Celestial Spin!

Why You’ll Love the Celestial Spin Block

Celestial Spin is the perfect block to kick off the New Year with creativity and growth. This block isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a chance to learn something new while creating a beautiful, one-of-a-kind quilt.

Never made inset circles before? Don’t worry! This pattern was designed with flexibility in mind:

• Learn Inset Circles: My video tutorial (included with your membership) will guide you step-by-step through the process.
• Optional Simplicity: If inset circles aren’t your thing, the pattern also provides the option to replace the circle unit with a 6.5-inch square.

No matter your skill level, Celestial Spin is a block that inspires creativity and brings something special to your quilt.

What Are Inset Circles, and Why Should You Try Them?

Inset circles are a quilting technique where a circular piece of fabric is sewn into a larger piece, creating a seamless, smooth curve. While they might look intimidating, they’re absolutely achievable with the right guidance.

Here’s why inset circles are worth adding to your skillset:

• They bring a striking visual element to your quilts.
• They’re a versatile technique that can be used in many future designs.
• They teach precision and patience—skills every quilter can benefit from!

In my video tutorial, I’ll walk you through every step, from prepping your fabric with templates to pinning, sewing, and pressing your way to a perfect inset circle. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your skills, this tutorial has you covered.

Steps for Making an Inset Circle

Here’s a breakdown of the steps for creating an inset circle, as demonstrated in the Celestial Spin video tutorial:

1. Print and Prepare Your Templates

• Print Template A and Template B at 100% scale.
• Use the 1-inch square guide on the template page to verify the correct size with your acrylic ruler.
• Cut out the templates along the solid lines, including the center of Template B, by pinching the paper and making a small snip to get started.

2. Cut Fabric Using the Templates

• Prepare fabric squares that match the size of Templates A and B.
• For Template B, trace the inner circle onto the fabric and cut it out carefully, saving the inner scrap for another project.
• For Template A, align the edge of the template with the fabric edge to save on cutting, then cut out the circle.

3. Mark and Press Quarter Creases

• Fold both fabric pieces (A and B) in half, then in half again to create quarter creases.
• Press along the folds to make visible marks for alignment.

4. Pin the Circle into Place

• Place Template A on top of Template B, with both pieces right sides up.
• Match the quarter creases on both fabrics, starting by folding the outer edge of Template B over the edge of Template A to align them.
• Pin at each crease, ensuring the raw edges are evenly distributed around the circle.
• Add additional pins between the quarter points for more security—more pins are better here!

5. Sew the Inset Circle

• At the sewing machine, use a leader to prepare the needle and bobbin.
• Start sewing with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, ensuring the bottom fabric lays flat while adjusting the top fabric as needed.
• Remove pins as you sew and work slowly around the entire circle.
• Overlap your starting stitches by a few stitches instead of backstitching for a clean finish.

6. Press the Seams

• Gently press the seams toward the center of the circle to flatten and secure them.
• Smooth the circle with the iron, paying attention to keep it evenly pressed.

7. Trim the Block

• Use a 6 1/2-inch square ruler to trim the block to size.
• Center the circle so that its edges are a 1/4-inch from the trimmed edges of the block.
• Align horizontal and vertical ruler lines with the block’s edges to ensure accuracy.
• Trim two sides, then rotate the block and trim the remaining two sides.

8. Ready for Your Quilt

• Your inset circle block is now complete and ready to be pieced into your quilt!

Interested in Joining the Quilt Club? Here’s What You’d Get:

By joining the Sweet Potato Quilt Club, you’ll get instant access to:

• The Celestial Spin Block: Dive into this month’s featured block and learn how to master inset circles.
• 3 Mix and Match Blocks: These blocks give you 21 quilt layout options immediately!
• The 2025 BOM Blocks: A yearlong journey of 12-inch blocks, each designed to focus on a new quilting skill.
• A Supportive Community: Share your progress, ask questions, and connect with other quilters in a welcoming space.
• Exclusive Content: Every block comes with PDF patterns and video tutorials to help you build your skills.

And the best part? The longer you’re a member, the more your quilt layout options grow. By the end of the year, you’ll have over 200 quilt designs at your fingertips!

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Join

The Celestial Spin block is just the beginning of what the Sweet Potato Quilt Club has to offer. Membership is only open until January 4th, and once the doors close, you’ll miss your chance to access these exclusive blocks and resources.

Ready to create something amazing this year? Join today, grab your Celestial Spin pattern, and start your quilting journey with us.

Let’s make 2025 the year of creativity, connection, and quilts you’ll love. I can’t wait to see what you make!