I'm hand piecing/appliqueing a scrappy quilt in the Dresden Plate pattern. I'm having problems with the center of the plate. I've tried using 2 layers, sewing together, making a slit in the back and turning. I've also tried using fuseable webbing, sewing, and turning. No matter what I do, I end up with the seams showing. In the case of the 2 pieces of fabric, the slit in the back showed thru.
Anyone have any ideas how to do this, or am I being too picky?? :mrgreen:

you might be tooo picky, how about if... i've done this
you use the same fab for the front and back, after turning, put a small pc of w2onder nder under the slit and iron it closed. try that, show us a pic, i bet you're toooooo critical of your own work, like all of us. no one else would probably see it

whatever you use on the bottom layer, make it just a bit smaller so when you turn it, it will pull the seam under a bit :wink:

Okay -- I may be too picky...camera doesn't pick up what I think I see. Here's a block...I haven't appliqued it on and I tried your hint lynnie....what do you think? (BTW - getting it into a perfect circle is HARD!)

For backing on center circle, I have used "used fabric softener sheets",
then after turning, cut away excess of the sheet/backing, and you can
easily make rounded edges by simply finger pressing as you hand
applique circle to your "petals".

My son made me a round metal washer out of some metal sheeting and I cut my circle of fabric hand stitched around the edge put the washer in the middle and drew up my thread then pressed with sizing. The came out (almost) perfect.

Make sure that the used fabric softener sheets have been used a couple of times...That way there is no residue.

I did a gathering stitch at the seam line where it turns under and pulled it slightly and it made a perfect circle.

I do gathering stitch as well, fabric round a template cut from strong cardboard, it usually comes out perfect circle.

Two ideas: Use a well-used fabric softener sheet for the back of the center piece. It is nice and light and you can easily slit the back for turning. Another idea is on Anna Maria Horner's blog: http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/search?q=circles

Your block is beautiful!

I love making Dresden Plates!

I use soft fusible interfacing. I use pinking shears to trim off the excess fabric. Then I cut a small slit in the back, turn, and stuff with a layer of thin batting. I tuck the batting above the seam allowance. Gives it a slight 3d look. I also blanket stitch around the circle.

How large are the circles? I use "Perfect Circles" out of Mylar to do mine. The large ones may fit your need.

Missouri Quilt Company has a video tutorial on the Dresden Plate.

http://tutorials.missouriquiltco.com/

very good tips to remember.

a hint for the perfect circle. I trace a circle the size i need on card stock....cut it out. cut fabric 1/4-3/8 larger than circle - baste around edge then put the card stock circle in the middle - pull the thread to cinch the fabric around the card circle - iron with spray starch - remove card stock - perfect fabric circle !