Consider this a helpful visual and companion for any of my quilt patterns that feature Dresden plates. Sometimes you just need to see it to understand it.
To view all previous posts in this series, click here.
You’ll recognize this block from my Morning Sun quilt pattern. I’m currently rewriting the pattern and hoping to publish early November. You may think this is quicker than appliqueing a circle center to middle of the Dresden block, but it’s really not. I feel it takes much longer, but I guess that really depends on your applique choice.
I do love this method in particular when there is something on the background block you don’t want hidden, like that lovely hourglass shape in the above image.
One benefit though is that you can completely avoid any raw edges if that’s not your thing. The result of this is a completely finished edge Dresden plate.
We are using this Dresden ruler.
I have two tips for this:
- Use Microquilter in silver for your topstitch thread. It blends with most colors and almost disappears because it’s 100 weight.
- When stitching the shorter, inner of the blades into points, drop your stitch length down to 1.5mm. This will keep that little seam from coming open. Just don’t forget to turn it back up to your standard length when you sew the blades together. Otherwise, there could be tension issues.
More Dresden Plate Tutorials
- How to Cut blades
- How to Make a Dresden Plate
- Raw edge applique – Machine Stitch
- Hand Applique
- Turned Edge Applique – Perfect Ready to Sew Circles
- Using Embroidery For Applique
