Here is another lovely quilt block to add to your repertoire. This design is called the Dresden Plate and each blade can be made using the paper piecing method to give a nice curved shape to the edge of the plate, which I have done here. There are lots of variations to the Dresden Plate, but with this block, I have chosen 12 blades with a curved finish.

Note: Finished size of quilt 74” by 96”.

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Dresden Plate Block

  • • Finished block size in quilt is 12” by 12”.
  • • Total number of blocks required – five.
  • • ¼” seam allowance used throughout.

    • Assorted fabric scraps for the plate segments. Choose at least five different colours to give variety to the plates

    Background fabric square measuring 13” by 13”

    Paper and card

    Pencil

    Rotary cutter/ruler/mat

    General sewing supplies

  • Download the templates for this project. Trace around the fabric template A, paper template B and the circular template C, then transfer these tracings to cardboard. Cut out the templates from cardboard.

  • Lay the fabric template down on the back of the fabric and draw all around the edge. Cut out. Cut 12 pieces of fabric for each block.

  • Place the paper template B onto paper and trace all around the edge. Cut out 12 shapes for each block. You should now have 12 pieces of fabric and 12 pieces of paper.

  • Lay one paper piece onto the back of one fabric piece and fold over the excess fabric on two sides and top of curved edge. Tack in place using a large running stitch which can be removed later. Repeat for 11 more blades.

  • Lay blades out side by side on the background fabric until you are happy with the colour placement. Now take two blades and right sides facing, sew them together using a whip stitch down one side only, starting at the curved edge and working your way towards the centre. Repeat until all blades are attached to each other. Joining the blades in groups of four, then adjoining the four sections together can make it more manageable. Press. Remove all tacking stitches and take out papers.

  • Take one background fabric and fold in half, fold in half again and press. These creased lines will act as a guide when you are placing your Dresden Plate onto the background fabric. Position Dresden Plate onto background fabric and pin or tack in place. Appliqué plate to background fabric using a neutral-coloured thread and taking small stitches.

  • Using circle template, cut out one piece from whatever fabric you are using for the centre, adding on at least ¼” all around the edge. Tie a knot in your thread and sew a running stitch all around the outside of the circle ?” in from the edge. Place the cardboard template onto the back of the fabric circle and pull up thread to gather firmly around the cardboard. Secure with a knot. Turn over and press. Remove cardboard. Appliqué circle onto centre of Dresden Plate.

  • Press block with starch and then cut down to measure 12½” by 12½”.

  • Repeat for five more blocks. Leave to one side for assembly later.

    • Next week: Make the Drunkard’s Path block.