Dresden Plate quilt
 

I have made the dresden plate that is approx 14.5" in diameter. How do I determine the size of the background square so that I can finish this quilt. Mainly should the background be a certain # of inches larger than the plate? I am doing this as a quilt of valor donation. Thank in advance for any advice.

As these examples will show you...it's your quilt and your choice. https://www.bing.com/images/search?q...ages&FORM=IGRE

Anything goes these days. Look forward to your choice. And, whether to add sashing or offset the plates...many ideas here.

It's really up to you. I did one that had about 3 inches from the plates. That was roughly how my vintage quilts were. But do whatever looks good to you.

If your background ends up looking too large, you could do your blocks on point. that would help them be more noticeable than if set square. Good luck, show us when done.

I made three several years ago. My plates turned out pretty big. I was so glad I had large yardage of a pattern white fabric for the background. I think I had an inch or so at end of the points.

I would cut the blocks at 16.5" so there is plenty of space to show off the plates.

I have a Dresden Plate on my bed right now. The plates are attached to a "whole" background, eliminating seams, but there are 3" between the points of the plates. It is a pleasant arrangement. If your quilt is to be for donation, I'd look at any recommendation for size and use that as a factor in how big the background squares should be. Consider how big borders, sashing, etc might be.

I love Dresden plates...it's next on my bucket list. I plan on doing the background squares in a off white and a light tan and alternating them. Will be following this to see how large to cut my squares.

That would work nicely, although I like mine at 18” which leaves a nice frame. Try folding your background fabric different sizes and see what looks good to you. Is your quilt going to have one center medallion or several blocks, that also effects your result too.