I'm finishing a dresdan plate quilt that my MIL started in 1981. I'm not an experienced quilter. I've made some baby quilts that look pretty good and have been loved, but no long term experience here. Some of the center circles just barely cover the the hole the plate pieces leave in the middle;-0 There is no additional fabric to make new center circles and try as I may... I just can't match the fabric from that long ago to make new circles.

It is very hard to applique the center circles to fabric that is just barely there. I was thinking of backing the center circles with fusible web. My thinking is that it will give the piece more stability and make it easier to sew the circles down.

Anyone have any advice? is this a good idea? Do you have a better idea???
TIA

That is certainly an option. Be sure to buy a kind of fusible you can sew. Some of it isn't for sewing.

I would be afraid that even with fusible, you may end up with fraying if the hole is barely covered. When you say it barely covers, are you talking about 1/16" or a 1/4"? A 1/4" is fine, but if it is less I would find another fabric to use. :D:D:D

I would get some new fabric and recut/resew the circles so the holes are covered.

I agree, the small amount of coverage is just going to be a big problem later with washing.

This is what I would do also, I am sure you can find something that would look good with it. Good luck and be sure to post a picture when it's done. :)

Or may be first sew the circle on a bit larger circle of 'new' fabric ? That way the centre would be bigger, you still use the original center and there'll be just a edge visible of the newer fabric.

I also agree. I know you are concerned you can't match the colours, but if you make all the centres the same it will look cohesive. Hope that makes sense.

It would be a shame to put in a lot of work and have problems with the centres afterwards.

Could you choose plain fabric for the centres? Maybe you have some plain scraps that you could use. Then you won't have to try to match the older fabric.

That's what I was thinking so she could use the fabrics that were intended on this quilt, but adding another piece to sort of form a ring around it.

think I would go this way too it would definitely look 'intended' rather than a mistake - I know Ihave done it :oops: :lol:

That's a good idea to use a larger circle under the intended center. It will look planned and will provide the stability needed. You don't want it to fray after spending so much time and effort to finish it. This way it will last for generations. Good luck finding reproduction fabric to match.
Sue

Can you show a picture of the fabric? Maybe some has a little of it left in their stash.

Finished the quilt and gave it to my MIL. I think that after all these years she is thankful that it is done and that she didn't have to do it !

thank you all for your advice. I ended up just being VERY Careful with the center circles. Two of them were very close but this is not something that is going to be in and out of the wash so, I'm hopeful that it will be alright. I'm was thankful to get it done just time time for the party. (I finished the binding at 9pm on a Friday night and we gave it to her on Saturday at 5 pm. Nothing like cutting it close!)

Now I'm on to other projects - more colorful ones :-D