Dresden Plate Tutorial
Written and Designed by Janet M. Davies 
Dresden Plate layouts come most commonly in two different edge finishes; rounded or pointed. I have used the pointed edge shape below. The fan shape can be sewn into a fabric block or appliqued on top of the fabric block. I have used the applique method.

Each fan piece is wedge shaped and the wedges can be divided as many times as you wish; but allow for the seam allowances. The red lines shows the cutting edge for the actual wedge pattern.

1. Below: Cut a paper pattern from your wedge shape.
With sharp scissors you can cut a few layers of fabric at once.

2. Below: A. Fold the fabric length ways and sew along to long top edge.
Cut off excess seam allowance at the folded side edge.
B. Turn the raw seam inwards. Lay the fabric right side down.
Bring the seam edge down so all the seam will be facing you,
onto the fabric centering the seam in the overall width. Press.


3. Below: The photo below shows how the right side of the wedge
 now looks when sitting on the original pattern piece.
Sew all the wedge pieces you will be using.

4. Below: Now sew the sides of the wedges together to form a half or whole circle.

 

5. Below: The circle of wedges have been sewn and then the outer edge has been applique stitched to background fabric block. The inner circle was made and applique stitched on top of the wedges. You can see how I made the circles here. Then I stitched Running stitch inside the seam lines to highlight the wedges. I used a thick Pearl 5 needlework cotton so the Running stitch stands out.

 

6. Below: In this pillow you can see I made two half circles of wedges
and inserted (not appliqued) some basic strips and blocks between them.