Category: 2024

This is the second tutorial for the Orange Peel circle.

I don’t know how this shape came into my mind, but I was driven to learn to make it when I took the Latifah Saafir class in 2021. I have the start of an idea for a quilt using this shape, though I am still finalizing the details. 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 these shapes whenever the desire arose and the best way is to post something here. I also wanted to share the knowledge with you so YOU would have another use for your Clammy** rulers. In a lull in the class, Latifah showed me two ways to make this shape. I broke up the tutorials so you could focus on one method at a time.

Supply List: (same as for the first method)

• 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, but very helpful: rotating cutting mat** (The 10″ rotating cutting mat** is also useful for smaller spaces)
• 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
• The tutorial for the first method was posted a few weeks ago. This second method yields the same results, but gives you construction options so you can figure out what works best for you.

For this tutorial, I am using the 6 inch** Clammy. Adjust if you use other sizes.

The directions for cutting the Orange Peel shape are on the front of the Clammy ruler. The directions are in a different context, but you can extrapolate.

Steps:

Gather your two pieces of fabric.

 

Cut a 1/4 circle out of the square. I cut my square slightly larger than the square indicated on the Clammy.

Cut the inside circle to make a quarter circle. This is one step where I use the 28mm rotary cutter**.

You will have a quarter circle. Throw the extra background into your scrap bin.

Do the same again with a different fabric. This will be the whole circle in which you will insert the Orange Peel piece.

Cut a square-ish shaped piece.

Align your ruler and cut a quarter 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 for me to cut the inside circle with a smaller rotary cutter. If you are using the larger Clammy, then the 45mm will work. Use the tools that feel best to you.

Cut a quarter circle out of the larger piece of fabric.

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 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.

Pin the rest of the Orange Peel to the circle using 2-3 pins between each end and the center. You may not be able to line the piece up exactly end to end. The ends may extend beyond the ends of the circle fabric.

Piece the quarter circle into the square with the quarter circle cut out. I put the piece that will be the Orange Peel on top to sew.

The piece looks odd and not circular at all when you are finished sewing.

Press the seam towards the piece that will be the Orange Peel. In this case, that piece is the green.

Now, follow the directions for cutting out a circle using the Clammy. Review the directions on the packaging.

Fold the sewn piece in half with the fold towards you.

Line up the ruler as shown in the photo. Remember: the fold needs to be closest to your body.

Cut out your circle. Again, the directions on the packaging will help you.

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. If this is the case, you will need to start over, because your circle is ruined.

If you have cut the circle with the fold towards you, then you have done it correctly and have a fabulous Orange Peel circle.

Toss the background excess into your scrap pile. Cut the background for a circle and piece your Orange Peel Circle into the background. Stay tuned for that tutorial or check Latifah’s site.

–>Alternatively –> applique your Orange Peel Circle onto the background using hand or machine applique’

See the other method for making these Orange Peel circles.

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** (first photo above ) 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.

 

 

 

 

**N.B. I use affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.

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.

 

**I use affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.