I don’t know how this shape came into my mind, but I was driven to learn to make this combination of shapes when I took the Latifah Saafir class in 2021. I have a sort of idea for a quilt using this shape, but it hasn’t come to fruition yet. The closest I have come to drawing it out or designing it is the Bubble (circle) donation quilt I made with Gerre a few years ago.
Ever since I learned to make these Orange Peel Circles, I have wanted to write a tutorial. I wanted to remember how to make them whenever I wanted. I also wanted to share the knowledge with you so YOU would have another use for your Clammy rulers.
Supply List:
- Clammy ruler – the 12 inch** or the 8 inch** or the 6 inch** (any size works)
- Optional: 45 mm rotary cutter**
- 28mm Rotary Cutter**
- Rotary Cutting Mat**
- Optional: rotating cutting mat** (very helpful)
- fabric (at least 2 different) – I used large-ish scraps for this tutorial
- pins
- Sewing machine
- quarter inch foot
- thread
- Iron and ironing board
Notes:
- You need the directions for using the Clammy for this tutorial. They are included on the packaging. If you have tossed your packaging, download the information from Latifah’s site. I downloaded one and the information is laid out very well.
For this tutorial, I am using the 8 inch** Clammy. Adjust if you use other sizes.
Steps:
The directions for cutting an Orange Peel are on the front of the Clammy ruler.
Start with a square. If necessary, give yourself some wiggle room by cutting the square a bit larger than called for in the directions.
My Orange Peel Circle came out perfectly using the sizes on the ruler packaging. Try out some test circles to gauge whether you need to start larger or not.
Cut your Orange Peel from this square. Line up your ruler as shown. You can see the lines of the Orange Peel shape clearly on the ruler. You want the straight dividing lines to be on the edge of the fabric and the Orange Peel shape to be completely in the square. Review the directions on the front of the Clammy packaging* to line everything up.
If you have cut a larger square, you will trim more.
Cut the first part of the Orange Peel. This will yield a shape like you would use for Drunkard’s Path.
This is where your rotating cutting mat** comes in handy.
Turn your fabric and re-align the ruler. You can see how your Orange Peel piece will look through the ruler.
Cut the second side of your Orange Peel. Set this part aside. Toss the leftover background fabric into your scrap bin.
Now you are ready to cut your full circle
Based on the 8 inch Clammy, cut a 8.5 inch square of fabric. Adjust if you are using a different Clammy.
This will be the main part of the circle.
Fold your square in half and place the fold closest to you.
Place your ruler on the fabric. This is a good time to review the instructions or one of Latifah’s videos.
Cut the full circle.
Open the full circle and admire your work! I always feel excited when I see that circle opened up.
Troubleshooting: If your circle is not whole (cut in half) when you open it, then you need to realign your fabric and make sure the fold of your folded square is close to your body before you cut.
Line up your ruler to prepare to cut the Orange Peel out of the full circle.
Note: For most of the cutting in this tutorial, I used my regular 45 mm rotary cutter**. For this step, however, I switched to a 28mm rotary cutter**. It is easier to cut the inside circle with a smaller rotary cutter.
The photo above shows the Clammy lined up and the Orange Peel cut out.
Cut an Orange Peel out of the full circle. Turn the circle if you want to avoid cutting into certain fabric motifs. In this case, I wanted to leave the full crescent moon on the fabric, so I avoided cutting the Orange Peel out of that part of the circle.
Throw the Orange Peel from the full circle into your scrap bin
Fold the circle and the Orange Peel in half to create registration marks. I do this to allow me to line up the two pieces more precisely.
Tip: If you fold one piece RST and one piece WST, you will be able to nest them in the next step.
Line up the two pieces using the registration marks. The fabrics should be right sides together.
Pin at the registration marks to keep the pieces in place.
I anchor the ends of the Orange Peel with pins as well.
Pin the rest of the Orange Peel to the circle using 2-3 pins between each end and the center.
Sew the Orange Peel to the circle. I sew with the Orange Peel on top. Take out pins before your needle gets to them.
I keep the two pieces of fabric as flat as possible while sewing the curve. If necessary, make little clips in the curve.
Your Orange Peel is now sewn to your circle.
Press the seam allowance towards the Orange Peel.
You now have an Orange Peel circle!!
Your finished circle is ready to be pieced into a background. Stay tuned for that tutorial or check Latifah’s site.
If you make one of these circles, send me a photo and I will post your work here! I’d love to see your efforts.
Notes: I prefer the smaller versions. The Orange Peel circle I made with the 12 inch** (above photo) just looks too big to me. If I made a bunch of them, it might be fine.
*If you have tossed the packaging or can’t find it, download the information from Latifah’s site. I downloaded one and the information is laid out very well. You can also check Latifah’s videos on YouTube. One video shows how to cut different shapes, though it focuses on the half circle. You can get some good tips even if you don’t get the full instructions. Take a look at all of her videos.
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