Something that could help is a dark center instead of the same color as the background.
As for the plate edges I would use a fusable webbing like wonder under or something like it to fuse it to your background then finish it with either a decrotive stitch by hand or your machine. I would not use Ricrac it would take away from your very pretty blades and be very difficult and bulky since it is not a biased product it will not bend and turn smoothly. If you really want to cover the plate edge how about a cording instead.

buttonhole stitch gets my vote also.

I agree with the fusible stabilizer like Wonder under. Zigzag was very popular in that era. A small zigzag along the edges would work.

Stabilize then buttonhole stitch is my vote. You might discover that, after using a stabilizer, you'll be able to turn under the edges after all. Please post pictures of your final decision.


Jane

If I did the rick rack I would choose a color like red or black or another single color that would work. My concern w/ the heavy stitch options would be the age and condition of the fabric, I would think a heavy stitch would cause fabric to tear, not sure if the stabilizing would help w/ that, but I think it might, just not sure if it would help enough.

Are you committed to the background fabric??

I would consider using a stabilizer that you sew around the edges of the fans, and then turn them inside out. That would put all raw edges to the inside. Then you could use any stitch you wanted to frame the edges. Sometimes, simpler is better. I'd practice on another fan and see what you like. I would not use rick-rack. It is too bulky and works great for straight edges, but not so good for all those points. I would choose a center medallion color and do the stitching around the fans in that color, or in the darkest color you have in the quilt colors.

I think they look good as is. A buttonhole stitch wouldn't look bad, though.

I would spray starch and iron them until they have stability. unpick about 1/4 inch on the end of the points just enough to turn under and stitch down. I would choose a solid fabric for the center, [if you do not have that already] and make a circle or even yo yo's to fill the center. I like the light background fabric. It makes the blades in the design stand out.

Another thing to consider is making the edges round instead of pointy. I have dresdens done both ways. That way you would probably have enough fabric to turn under, and you would not need to use stabilizer, etc. Just make a small plastic pattern so they all match. If you use that certain plastic, you could iron the edges under, ready to applique. I don't know the name of that heat resistant plastic but it is good. Then you could applique using any of the mentioned methods. Best of luck in doing whatever you decide.

If you want a finished edge, do the Eleanor Burns thing and cut a piece of lightweight fusible web larger than the Dresden Plate unit. Lay the web bumpy side up on your table and center the Dresden Plate unit on top, right side down. Pin to secure and stitch all the way around. Trim the edge to within 1/8" and then cut a slit in the middle of the back of the web and turn right side out, shaping the points for each one. Fuse the Dresden Plate unit to your background square.

You now have a finished edge which you can stitch down with a straight, zig-zag, button hole or blind hem stitch, by machine or by hand.