Ok now that I have inherited 120 dresden plate circles how do I get the center on and keep it round? the few in the box that were done had the center sewn to the back block but were nowhere near round, I know there has to be an easy way, I tried freezer paper circles but wasn't happy with the results. I don't want to mess this one up.

I would take a couple of layers of template plastic and glue them together the size you want to make the circles. Then just baste around the edge and when you get all the way around just gather it up around the template plastic. I would use Heat resistant mylar so that you can iron it so you will have a crisp edge.

Debbie

use fusible webbing... sew right sides together, slit the webbing, turn right side out - run your finger around inside so it's ROUND, then applique on!!

Reva and I use the same method - it's fast and turns out great. Sometimes you have to snip a little to make it lay flat, but usually that is on shapes with "innies and outies".

LOVE this tip!
Another quilter on this site PMd me about it and I finally tried applique the easy way for a quick Father's Day present. It's super easy and even going through the project quickly, the shapes were true to size (hand prints). Can't wait to see pix of your finished, beautiful dresden plate.
Happy Quilting!

I would suggest sewing a running stitch fairly close to the edge of your circle. Make sure one end has a knot in it and gather your fabric slightly. This will cause the circle to cup slightly with the raw edges turning under.
Then when you press, you should have a circle with raw edges turned under.
Hopes this helps!

Thanks for you help! I don't have any fusible webbing right now and won't be going the 50 miles to get some anytime soon. I will try the stitching around the edge first, I also have some dryer sheets.

If you find areas getting too bulky, you can selectively trim from the back after sewing edges. If I'm doing a build up of a few layers, like a complex flower, i trim as I go, staying clear of the seams.

I just finished a dresden plate top. I cut a circle template from plastic and traced the circle onto stabilizer. Then I layed the stabilizer on the fabric (right side up) and sewed around the circle.
Then I cut a slit in the stabilizer and turned inside out and ironed it. I pinned the dresden to my background fabric, pinned the circle in place and sewed it with a blanket stitch.

I posted a pic in pictures.

Do you put the circle under or on top of the plate ? I have one started and am doing it on top. Wondering what is the right way. Also do you do the plate to background then add the circle, I started with the circle on the plate then was going to put to background fabric. Which is easier ?

I have been doing these for years and find that the easiest way is to applique your plate to the background first.
then add your center(if you add the center then try to applique your plate you get pleats and puckers!
to get the center use fusible,light interfacing or just a muslin cut the same size as your center right sides together sew slit the fusible or muslin and turn,
then apply to the plate and background.
I cut some of the background fabric away to keep the bulk down when quilting.

Thanks so much for the info. I only have a couple sewn together so will unsew. Just knew there was an easier way. :P

Earleen, stitch the circle last and on top. If you are appliqueing the plate, then do that 1st and on top of the back ground.

If you are pp-ing, then still the circle on top & last.