Dresden Plate
 

A friend and I have decided to start a retro 30's print Dresden plate quilt in January. Can't decide where to start. Any suggestions on the best pattern, templates or paper piecing? Any comments would be appreciated!

I really like Eleanor Burns method fo making dresden plates. If you visit her site (quiltinaday.com) she's got her books as well as individual patterns you can buy. She is really great at simplifying things and making it easy and quick. :)

Here's a video tutorial by Jenny at Missouri Star Quilt Company.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcy_p4pryE4

I used Eleanore Burns pattern in her book Egg Money Quilts. She makes it so easy, and there were no raw edges when I went to sew it on to the background block, loved her method for putting the center circle on also. I think there is a picture of mine on here called Jackie's Dresdans, quilted by Charisma. Good luck with yours.

I, also, used the Egg Money Quilts version from Eleanor Burns. You can get a good overview of it by watching the free video at www.quiltinaday.com Mine went fairly easily. I used Kona Snow for the background and assorted 30 - 40's repros. I made my wedges so they would fit on a charm square bacause that allowed me the most variety for my scrapy look.

I used a tutorial from this board and Charisma quilted mine also. Mine was finished in 2011 and blue sashing. I used scrappy for the plate with blue circle. I used Kona, a cream for the back ground. Good luck and show us the quilt when you get it finished.

I have used the Dresden plate ruler shown in this tutorial...works GREAT!!!

I use a june tailor dresden plate ruler. Gives option of point or round tips. Bought it a joanns. Love it!

I am a QuiltPro fanatic. I have made lots of DPs of 12-24 blades. I like the pointed, rather than the curved edges. I paper piece mine. In placing the plates on the background, after very thorough pressing with sizing, I sew the 2 halves together ONTO the background fabric. Then I fold the points and top stitch them.

Several years back, I ramrodded a DP for my guild to make as a library fund raiser. Even the most experienced quilters were amazed at how easy it was with PPing. I was something of a nut about hand applique, but had to admit the machine appliqued plates looked just as good.