Try this Pattern to Make Easy Dresden Plate Quilt Blocks

Easy Dresden Plate Quilt Block Pattern

The 'blades' of Dresden Plate quilt blocks are easy to make when you use a very simple technique to create their points. Forget about turning under the edges of blades as you applique, because this method eliminates that step, and offers neat and tidy Dresden Plates, every time.

I wrote this Dresden Plate pattern for Joy, one of our Forum Hostesses -- she's hostessing a block swap. If you are a member of the swap, be sure to follow her specific instructions for fabrics and applique methods.

Even if you aren't part of the swap, I'm sure you'll find plenty of helpful tips within the discussion.

• Dresden Plate quilt blocks finish at 12" x 12".
• Each Dresden Plate is made with 16 blades and one center circle.
• Blades can be cut from 4-1/2" tall strips of fabric
• If for yourself, repeat fabrics and use any fabrics you wish -- if for the swap, remember to follow Joy's fabric guidelines.

Download the Dresden Plate Templates

For Each Block, You'll Need

• (1) square of fabric, at least 13" x 13", and it doesn't hurt to go a bit larger for the first few blocks. Blocks are squared up to 12-1/2" x 12-1/2" after the applique is in place, since applique distorts the background fabric a bit and can draw the background fabric inward.
• (16) blades cut from the blade template
• (1) fabric circle for block's center -- see page 4 before cutting (it's fine to use a yo yo or adjust the center circle if not in the swap)

Prepare the Dresden Plate Blades

1. Take 16 Dresden plate patches to the ironing board and press flat.
2. Fold a patch in half lengthwise, right sides together, matching edges carefully.
3. Press the top couple of inches or so of the wider end of folded fabric to create a crease along the patch's vertical midpoint. It's fine to press the entire patch if you prefer. Repeat for all patches.
4. Sew a quarter inch seam from one edge to the other across the wider end of all folded patches (illustration, second from left). Chain piecing makes this step a breeze (photo of chain pieced blades).

1. Remove from the machine and clip chain pieced patches apart. Finger press seam allowances open where ends were sewn (optional, illustration third from left).
2. Turn each patch's sewn end right-side-out (illustration fourth from left). It usually just takes a finger to create a sharp point as you make the turn, but if necessary use a hera marker or other narrow-tipped object to push the point outward. Be careful not to push too hard or cut the fabric.
3. Take the pieces back to the ironing board. From the reverse side, match the seam line of fabric extending below each point to the pre-pressed fold line and press again (not shown, -- the point resembles the illustration third from left, but the right side of fabric is visible from the tip downwards a bit). This step centers the tip, and ensures that all points have equal angles along their sides.
4. When you're sure that points are centered, press again.

How to Sew a Dresden Plate Quilt Block

1. If you like, arrange 16 Dresden Plate blades into a circle next to your sewing machine, within easy reach. Do you like the layout? Shuffle the blades around until you're happy with their appearance.
2. Grab the first two blades. Align the blades, right sides together, taking care to match the top points and side seams. Those are the areas of most importance for matching. If bottom edges are a tad longer or shorter than each other, don't worry about it, because they'll be covered later with the block's center circle.
   
   Note: If points don't match, now's the time to take a blade back to the ironing board to fix its angles.
    

1. Use a quarter inch seam allowance to sew the pair together along their sides, starting just inward at the top (angled) edges. Backstitch and then continue sewing forwards until you've reached the end of narrow aligned edges.
2. Add all remaining blades in the same way -- for a total of 16.
3. Join the first and final blades in the same way. Press seam allowances open as shown in the illustration, right.

Use the PDF file linked on page 1 to download a circle to use as a center for the Dresden Plate, or make your own circle using another method. The circle finishes at 3" square -- the inner line of the template. That line can be used for a couple of easy applique methods.

Interfacing Method, Sew and Turn

1. Make a template (from a file folder or other rigid material) of the (3") finished size of the circle -- inner line. Draw a line around the template onto the wrong side of fabric. Cut around the fabric, leaving about a 1/4" seam allowance beyond the drawn line.

1. Cut a piece of interfacing that's about the same size as the cut out circle.
2. Position the circle right side down on top of the interfacing.
3. Sew a continuous line around the drawn line of the circle, overlapping a bit where ends of seams meet.
4. Cut a slit in the interfacing and use the opening to turn the circle right side out. Use a blunt point (small screwdriver, hera marker) to smooth the circle's seam. Press flat, making sure that edges around the circle are smooth, with no jagged areas.

Option: Some people use fusible interfacing for the method above, and place the fusible side against the right side of the fabric. After sewing, making an opening and turning, the fusible side is on the back of the piece, which can be pressed in place before applique stitches are added around the edges. Please check with the hostess before using that method for the block swap.

Basted Template Method

Use a 3" template for this method, too.

1. Cut out a piece of center fabric that leaves about 1/4" on all sides of a 3" circle.

1. Hand sew long basting stitches about 1/8" all the way around the edge of the circle.
2. Place the 3" template in the center of the larger circle -- against the wrong side of the fabric.
3. Pull on the thread to draw the circles edges inward, so that they touch the template. Press to set the shape and remove the template (cardboard is best for this method, as a plastic template could melt). See illustration.

Needleturn Applique

Cut a fabric circle using the outer edge of the template, which is a 3-1/2" circle. Fold under the edge 1/4" as you work using a hand stitch and traditional needleturn applique.

Related
Template Tips from Other Quilters
How to Make a Window Template

 

1. Grab one of the large squares reserved for a Dresden Plate background.
2. Fold the square in half one direction and press. Fold in the other direction and press. If you like, fold the square along its diagonals, too.
3. Center the Dresden Plate on the circle, right side up, taking care to put it as close to center as possible. The pressed lines will help. Pin in place. 
4. Center the circle at the center of the plate, again coming as close to center as possible.

1. Applique around the plate and the center using traditional needleturn or an invisible machine stitch. If not in the block swap, use another stitch. Refer to the forum discussion for appropriate methods.
2. Press. Square up the block to 12-1/2" x 12-1/2". Make sure the plate is centered correctly before trimming.

Some quilters like to remove some of the extra fabric from behind applique. Take care to leave a portion of the background fabric in place and avoid accidentally cutting into the top work.