Haven't tried hand applique in a VERY long time, and just finished my first attempt at a dresden plate block. My question is, would you suggest my using a stablizer for the applique-ing (wunder under, freezer paper, etc. etc.)? Or should I do needle turn technique? Or both??

I'm excited at the thought of being able to take this project with me, but not exactly sure of how to move forward from here. Thanks!

I just noticed this block in the picture section. Is this the block in question? If so, you could just applique. No needle turn. Edges are already turned. I have not use a stablizer in my dresden quilts. Just appliqued to a sq. of fab. then clipped out the background fab. to make quilting easier. I hand quilt, (or used to!) and you don't want the extra layer of fab. Your block is lovely. Will make a beautiful quilt!

Yepper, it is the block in question. I figured I didn't need to turn the petal part, but the circle scares the dickens outta me. :shock: Been reading and reading, and I saw some people make a round template from hard plastic & do a running stitch to close it around it, then press. I'm guessing petals go on first, THEN circle center. I starched my petals after sewing them, so they do have some support.

Yes, this is the way I do my centers. I just use a cardboard to make the circle and I do use starch when I press. Yes, petals 1st. I cut the backgroud away from under the plate before adding the center. Not sure you would have to do that if you machine quilt. Missouri Quilt Co. has a great tute on this block. Actually, if you go to Tutorials here on this board, there is a post discussing this very tute, and block. Can't remember who it was, but she did a lovely table topper.

I just got back from Walmart and found something called Liquid Stitch made by Dritz. It says it's "Iron On instant bond", and bonds with the heat of the iron. SO, I thought maybe I could use some on the inside edge of my hem of my circle (after I do the cardboard technique to form the circle) to stabilize it so it wouldn't move prior to hand appliquing it down. Anybody ever use this stuff?

If you like handwork, it would be wonderful to handstitch your dresdans to your background block.

Try the Liquid Stitch on some scraps, see if you like how it looks, feels, and if it is easy to work with and stitch through :D:D:D

Thanks, Amma. I just went ahead and pinned the dresden last night without the liquid stitch, and it worked out just fine. I was worried it would shift, but I didn't have any problems.

Elanor Burns video for this block, she draws a circle on interfacing, sew the circle fabric to the interfacing, rim around the circle, then clip the interfacing and turn it right sides out. Then you have and easy circle that you can iron in place and it stays while you are sewing it down. Hard to explain, but here is the video.
http://quiltinaday.com/theater/egg/egg6.html

Thanks! :thumbup:

I am making the sampler from 'Egg Money Quilts' and I use her method and glue it down. Makes a perfect circle!