My Preferred Method

For making a Circular Patch

I make 4 "Drunkards Path" blocks at a time using the following method.

To determine the size of the block, including seam allowances:

• Find the radius of the circle. If your Drunkards Path Block is illustrated in actual size, you can find the radius by measuring from the curved line of the circle to the center. It may look like the illustration below from Patterns From History  The diameter of the circle is two times the radius. To draw the circle with a compass, you will set the pencil point the same distance from the compass needle as the radius because the compass is measuring the circle from the center.

Solomon's Puzzle Quilt Block Pattern

Note that the curved line of the entire circle is called the diameter.

To Make 1/4th of the circle:

• Cut out the paper pattern and remove the seam allowance along the curve of one piece.
• Attach the two pieces with glue or tape, making sure the outside edges match.

• Make 4 to have a pattern for a complete circle and glue or tape them together matching up the cutting lines of the blocks.

Note that the circle is not a true circle, due to the seam allowances for the Drunkard's Path Blocks.
In order to have a true circle you would remove the seam allowances within the the block.

An easier way to make a simple circle in a square

 is to draw a circle the diameter you want

within a square that is any size you wish and add seam allowance.

How to sew the circle block? 

• The stitching line of the circle is basted, cut out, and the seam allowances are clipped.
• Lay the circle fabric (in this case, white) on the foundation fabric (tan) and pin.
• With the sewing machine set to the blind hem stitch and presser foot: Baste the circle down onto the foundation fabric. Only catch the circle fabric edge with the blind hem stitch.
• Lift the circle fabric. Remove the basting thread that marked the stitching line. Your guide will now be the dots that are visible from the blind hem stitch.
• Machine stitch the circle, using the dots, and pressing crease as your guide.
• Remove all basting and press.
• 
  

  

  The finished Circle in a Square