Dresden Plate Project Ideas
Dresden Apple Basket
Combine half of a Dresden Plate quilt block with our ZigZapps Apples to make this adorable quilt block
Materials Needed:
-Dresden Plate "Instructions Only"
-Dresden Plate Quiltsmart Interfacing Panel: 1 (Note, one panel will make two (2) baskets
-Zigzapp "Apples" Interfacing Panels: 2
Fabric Cutting:
For the basket:
One (1) set of (10) 2.5" wide x 6" rectangles
One (1) 4" square or scraps for the center of the Dresden Plate
For the apples:
Assortment of apple colored fabrics, cut into 6" x 6" squares- or scraps to fit interfacing.
Scraps of green fabrics for leaves.
Ribbon for Stems: 1/2 yd.
Background fabric:
Cut a 14" x 14" (or longer) piece, or for our striped scrappy look, sew (7) strips of varying lengths together to equal a piece 14" x 14" or longer if you wish.
Assemble: Follow instructions for Dresden Plate and Apples, keeping the Dresden in halves. Make 10 - 12 apples.
Position Dresden on background. Position Apples on Background. Fuse and zigzag. Sew apples to basket. Trim as desired both basket pieces.
This pattern is meant to give you the details you need with the ease of making it your own.
IDEA: Make two apple baskets into an adorable table runner for fall!
What Quilters Are Saying
“I love that I can just sew on the printed lines instead of measuring and marking every piece.”
“The Dresden Plate method makes this traditional block so much less intimidating.”
“I was able to get smooth, even blades without fighting with paper templates.”
“I love being able to use my favorite fabrics and scraps to make each Dresden completely different.”
What You'll Learn
With the Dresden Plate Printed Interfacing Pattern, you'll learn how to:
- Use Quiltsmart printed interfacing to simplify quilt construction
- Create Dresden Plate blades with curved or pointed edges
- Sew accurate blades using printed sewing lines
- Create smooth Dresden Plates without puckering
- Experiment with fabric placement and fussy cuts
- Combine different fabrics to create your own unique Dresden design
- Turn individual Dresden Plates into larger quilted projects
Quick Start
1. Choose your fabric. Pull fabrics from your stash, use scraps, or choose a coordinated collection.
2. Choose your Dresden shape. Make rounded blades, pointed blades, or combine the two.
3. Select your Quiltsmart option. First-time users should choose the Pack, which includes instructions and nine printed interfacing panels.
4. Fuse the interfacing to your fabric.
5. Sew directly on the printed lines. No tracing or marking required.
6. Press, trim and assemble your Dresden Plate.
7. Add your finished plate to a quilt, wall hanging, table runner or other project.
Who This Is For
This pattern is a good choice for:
- Quilters who love traditional quilt blocks but want a simpler construction method
- Beginners who are ready to try something beyond basic squares and strips
- Experienced quilters who want to save time and avoid tedious measuring
- Scrap quilters looking for a great way to use favorite fabrics
- Fussy-cut fans who want to showcase special motifs
- Quilters making gifts for friends and family
- Quilters teaching a class and looking for a repeatable construction method
- Anyone who loves the look of Dresden Plates but doesn't love making templates!
What's Included
Pack
- Dresden Plate instructions
- 9 printed interfacing panels
- Each panel makes 1 Dresden Plate
- Design information for creating your Dresden project
Instructions Only
- Dresden Plate instructions
- Use with additional Dresden Plate printed interfacing panels
Panel
- 1 printed interfacing panel
- Each panel makes 1 Dresden Plate
Bolt
- 25 printed interfacing panels
- Each panel makes 1 Dresden Plate
- A good option for multiple projects, classes or quilt shops
Fabric and other sewing supplies are not included.
Dresden Plates are incredibly versatile. Make one large plate as the centerpiece of a wall quilt, combine multiple plates into a larger quilt, or use half plates and individual blocks to create something completely your own.
Try:
- Quilts
- Wall hangings
- Table runners
- Table toppers
- Pillows
- Seasonal home décor
- Baby quilts
- Gifts
- Appliquéd bags and accessories
- Scrappy projects using favorite fabrics
The Dresden Plate can also become something completely different with a little imagination. Make an Apple Basket by combining half of a Dresden Plate with ZigZapps Apples, and turn two baskets into a fall table runner. (See directions above)
Dresden Plate Sizes
Choose Your Dresden Plate Shape
- Rounded Dresden Plate: approximately 13"
- Pointed Dresden Plate: approximately 14"
You can also combine rounded and pointed blades to create different looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a finished Dresden Plate quilt?
No. This product is a printed fusible interfacing pattern that helps you make Dresden Plate quilt blocks. You provide the fabric and sewing supplies.
Is the Dresden Plate pattern printed on the interfacing?
Yes. The sewing lines are printed directly on the interfacing, so you can sew on the lines rather than tracing and marking a traditional template.
Is this the same as a traditional Dresden Plate template?
No. Quiltsmart's method uses printed interfacing to guide construction, helping reduce measuring, marking and template work.
Can I make both pointed and rounded Dresden Plates?
Yes. The Quiltsmart method allows you to make both curved/rounded and pointed blades. Rounded plates are approximately 13" and pointed plates are approximately 14".
How many Dresden Plates can I make?
Each printed interfacing panel makes one Dresden Plate. The Pack includes nine panels.
What should I buy if I'm using Quiltsmart Dresden Plate for the first time?
Choose the Pack. It includes the instructions and nine printed interfacing panels, so you have everything you need from Quiltsmart to get started.
Can I use scraps?
Absolutely. Dresden Plates are a wonderful way to showcase scraps, favorite fabrics and small pieces that are too good to throw away.
Can I fussy cut my fabric?
Yes. The Dresden Plate design works beautifully with fussy-cut fabrics. The Classic Pack even includes a wedge for use as a viewing guide when planning fabric placement.
Is this a good project for beginners?
Yes. The printed sewing lines eliminate much of the measuring and marking associated with traditional Dresden Plate construction. Beginners can follow the lines, while experienced quilters can appreciate the time savings.
What can I make with Dresden Plates?
Dresden Plates can be used in quilts, wall hangings, table runners, pillows, table toppers and other home décor and gift projects.
Are instructions included?
Instructions are included with the Pack and are also available as a separate Instructions Only option. Additional design downloads are available above.