I have done it like that but I didn't trim away the centre that way there are no 'ridges' around the edge of the petals

I did something similar to the method Chester describes. I had a customer that purchased an octagon Dresden Table Topper from me. She wanted 4 matching placemats, but just the Dresden plate - not the extra fabric I normally applique it to. I made the same matching Dresdens, then used coordinating fabric cut to the full shape of the finished plate. Sewed them right sides together, then made a slit in the center of the backing fabric to turn it through. Pushed out the points. I used the Easy Dresden tool but just drew the points as a sewing guide instead of sewing & turning each point. Then appliqued the center circle onto the back to cover the slit. She loved them & it worked nicely for placemats.

i have been fingering my completed dresdon plates, and trying to get up the nerve/ambition to finish them. maybe i'll give it a try with some of your suggestions. thanks for starting this thread.

I sent her a link to an episode on thequiltshow.com. It's not that I don't want to share with everyone but I don't think they'd allow me to send very many invitations to view a show.

you might try a pellon interfaceing instead of the poplin. Be sure to use, cutaway not tear away and procede as you did with the poplin. I don't recommend raw edge applique to anyone except for very small wall hangings that don't get washed. A few washes and those raw edges do fray. On most machines there is an heirloom stitch that will give you something close to that hand stitch you mentioned.

Go to Missouri Star Quilt Co. You Tube and they will show you how to do the Dresdan Plate in a very simple way.

Try a light weight interfacing instead of the poplin. I have never done this but have seen it demonstrated.

There's a tool available from www.ezquilt.com called "Easy Dresden" for the pointed blades - not for rounded ones. You cut a vee shaped wedge, flat across the top, then sew that flat seam, turn it inside out and end up with a point that doesn't have raw edges. So much easier than turning under the edges to applique. I haven't tried it, but wonder if the same technique could be used to make rounded blades.

I prefer to use used dryer sheets to turn under the seam allowance on my applique. Same method as using a light weight non-woven interfacing. The wash-away embroidery stabilizers would also work but I'm too cheap to buy them--LOL.

Isn't there a method where you use a smaller template & then use starch somehow to turn the edge over it? It seems like I saw that someplace. I love rounded Dresden Plates. While she was still alive, my Mother used to hand baste the edges for me. Some of my happiest memories are of sitting on her sofa, watching old B & W movies & working on Dresden Plates.