VARIATIONS OF DRESDEN PLATE - April 2026 - Lorrie Ryther-Hall

 This month, Lorrie shares with us more variations of the dresden plates.  Make some and share on our facebook page.

VARIATIONS OF DRESDEN PLATE

The Dresden Plate has sew many different variations. Last month we explored how to make pointed and round Dresden blades and plates. Now we will take those blades and put them into different configurations. The above “Fancy” Dresden is vintage, and totally handmade. Below are other “Fancy” type blocks (from Leah Day) using round, pointed, and straight tops in different layouts.

There are several ways to make these blocks. First, the pointed blades have a natural edge at the top that can be machine or hand finished. The round blades, and also the straight blades, can be finished in several different ways. If you like a raw edge, a fusible bond can be used on the tips of the edge, covering about an inch from the top (the entire edge of the round blade).

 

Another way is to make templates from freezer paper and put the freezer paper template on the fabric about a ¼ inch from the top. Using a small paint brush, put a very small amount of starch on the edge by the template. Fold over and slowly iron the edge over the template making a turn on the top.

 

The last method (that I know of) is to take a piece of muslin or light interface that covers the entire plate. Place the interface on the right side of the plate and pin in place on the wrong side. It is easier to sew on the wrong side of the plate. Sew a quarter inch around the plate. Cut an X in the middle of the plate, careful to only cut the interface. Turn inside out, using a blunt edge to smooth out the points and edges. Press. This method is the same as doing a circle for the center of the plates.

Fan blocks, which we explored prior, can be used on borders or as blocks in quilts.

 

Fans can be offset into blocks.

Dresden plates can be made using foundation piecing and also paper piecing.

This is a giant Dresden plate (16 to 18 inches) that is just a large block using the same method as a pointed blade. To make it, you will need a long template ruler. Sew eight jelly rolls (2 ½ x 4 inches) together. Line up the template on the eight rows and cut blades (cutting by alternating the top and bottom of the template). Chain sew the tops to make the points. Sew the blades together in sets of four and then sew together to make a circle.

I always thought that Dresden plates made from ties were just sewn together into a circle. Oh no! My research showed that the ties have to be deconstructed. First the tag/loop on the back is to be removed using a seam ripper. Then unpick the center and pull out the linings. If the stitching is too tight, just cut the edges off. Wash in a gentle cycle. If washed prior, the linings will shrink making it harder to unpick. You will need approximately 16 ties. Press wrinkles out of the silk material. Using your template, cut out one or more blades. Chain sew the points. Arrange into a pleasing combination and sew in fours. Then sew together in sections until a plate is made. Make a circle the size and color you want, adding it to the plate. Put on a background and finish as desired. Below is a border that is a great way to finish a tie quilt or even to add to other types of quilts.

Dresden plates can be made using any color or patterns you like. They can be bright, lights, dark, combinations, two colors, three colors, holiday fabric, etc.. The center can be one color, a pattern, or fussy cut.

This house plate is made using four different sizes of straight end templates. After making the blades and sewing into a circle, place the circle on a background square. Strips are used for doors and windows. Roofs are made from wonky triangles/squares. Use a fusible product for the doors, windows and roofs. Fuse them and cut them out. Use small pieces to secure your house plate to the background. Place the roofs, doors and windows on the houses and fuse in place. Make a center and sew or fuse in place. If you wish, you can use decorative stitches, zigzag or straight stitches to hold in place. Quilt and finish. Have fun decorating this plate.

Besides Halloween Houses, options are any colors you want, valentine houses, Christmas village, patriotic, seasonal, etc.

 

This patriotic quilt uses blue Dresden plates as the stars.  

Other holiday quilts include these adorable turkey blocks

This Christmas tree includes a Dresden small full circle as a star on top and one wide, large blade for the tree trunk. Different green blades with red buttons make this a fun holiday decor. The Christmas wreath can be made in different colors for different seasons.

These two blocks are layered. The green is made using a larger template with the smaller plate set on top of the green. The border is a great finishing touch with the colors of the Dresden mirrored. The other layered block is three different sizes with coordinating fabrics. I have also seen this in two tone colors such as white and black.

 

This brings me to next month's article. Dresden Plate Flowers. There are so many different flowers that are fun to make and arrange into different patterns. From layered to single plates; to different sizes and colors; to different sizes of blades; Fun, Fun, Fun.

 

I hope that this article has inspired your creativity. Enjoy!