Need help please. Making a DF quilt. Have the five blades sew together, 8" tall for each block. So how big do make the background that I will applique the fans to...and to I cut the fab away from the back where the blades are so it's not so bulky? Not using a premade pattern. Just have template. This is a UFO I want to get done by Christmas. Gift to me from me from fab given to me by a friend...thank you Joan.

This isn't the same size, but I thought the information was well written and easily understandable.
http://wannaquilt.com/patterns/dresd...fanpattern.pdf
I cut my background a little larger than the finished size. Then when I have finished the blocks, I would trim them to desired size. This would allow for the backing changing size as you sew the df on it.

I would probably make it 121/2"- 15" just lay the fans on top of one of these sizes and see which looks better. I think the 12 1/2 will look best. I would not cut the fabric behind the dresdens, unless your hand quilting it then, I probably still wouldn't.

When I made my GF, there was about 3- 3 1/2 inches above the edge of the blade to the top of the background, at the sides. I didn"t trim away the background material. This would make the block about 12
1/2 inches.I handquilted each blade, no problem.

CLEM55...just the math I needed. Thank you so much. I'm in the middle of making a new purse today so when it is finished I will start the DF. Thanks again.