Easiest Dresden Plate Block Tutorial

Learn the easiest way to make a Dresden Plate block. I always thought it was so difficult to make a Dresden Plate block that I had avoided it for years. Finally, I made a Dresden Plate block and discovered that it was really easy if you have the right tools. I've found that using the Martelli Dresden Flower 12" template was the easiest way to make a Dresden Plate block.
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[@Chatterboxquilts]

I always thought that Dresden Plate blocks were difficult to make until I tried to make one. They're very easy to make if you follow my instructions and they can be used to create lots of wonderful designs.

[@janettamburro1473]

I am trying to finish a quilt my mother in law started 40+ years ago and never finished. She hand quilted 20 solid color blocks with a Dresden like stitch pattern. I needed to select a block that would complement her work and help me complete her quilt. I decided the Dresden block would be perfect and watched this tutorial. It was so informative as I had never done a Dresden block. With your help, I have completed 12 of 18 Dresdens and am enjoying the process. Thank you and wish me luck for the rest!

[@patriciamoller3060]

Clever teacher , have learnt so much from you over the past many years

[@alliecreates6038]

You are so wonderful how you explain what to do! I love that you said, "This isn't a race" lol 🙂

[@sandravanlankvelt7975]

I love making dresden's and I really enjoyed all of your tips which some of them were new to me. Thank you thank you thank you. Gods blessings and your dresden is beautiful.

[@marionbartley214]

This is one of the Easiest explanations of the Dresden plate pattern. That I watched online, thank you for this tutorial.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

You are so welcome!

[@georgiaatthelake8142]

Just wanted to say thank you for all your videos and care taken for giving detailed instructions when I'm trying to find detailed info, which is so important when trying a new technique.

[@darbyrd3539]

I really enjoyed your tutorial. I have never made that block yet but you have made it seem easy. And, I love your sign it is so true

[@ZezeDurham]

This was really helpful as I wanted to make a sunflower version of this and wasn’t sure how to! So thank you 😊

[@dianabarker3815]

Great tutorial. Can’t wait to try this 😀

[@wants2bbeachbum]

Thank you so much for sharing. Your center circle method was the easiest I’ve seen!

[@ireneengilis6837]

Thanks so much for taking the time to make this tutorial, very helpful!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

You're very welcome!

[@aliciakeswani538]

I love the added time to make the inner circle more finished and professional. I learned so much from your videos I love them!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Thank you so much!

[@LawandaFinch]

I have not ever made a Dresden! I am new to quilting. Thank you so much for this I want to try it. Beautiful Dresden you made!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

You are so welcome!

[@jenifferfoster4312]

Wow what an awesome tutorial. I love how you teach, you e explained everything so we'll for Newbies like me! God bless you for sharing your time and talent!!! Spending much love and many prayers your way. ❤️💜 🙏❤️💜 Jennifer in Bakersfield California

[@dorennemedlin314]

Thanks for sharing. It will help me make my first Dresden block!

[@doryalford2552]

I really enjoyed this video - have never tried a Dresden Plate Block before, but after watching this video, I am going to give it a try. Thank you so much!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Have fun!

[@MG-sy8pj]

That is a very useful tutorial. I'm in a beginner sampler quilting class and I've had to resew last month's block, a Dresden Plate, twice already. It still isn't flat. It is flatter, but not flat enough. I've put seven hours in to that block, and felt kind of through with it, to be honest. I'll give it another go using your tips, especially your direction to just stitch another line beside the original. That option still might work for me. I think sewing them in pairs would have helped me and the detail about the true quarter inch seam, too. Thank you, I enjoyed the video and you've picked up my spirits about the sampler quilt.

[@peggynuber2400]

Can't wait to try this

[@nancyincanada5553]

That Dresden Plate is beautiful! I love your tutorials! Your voice is calm, and instructions are always very clear and easy to follow. Thank you!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Thank you so much!

[@ksharpe8137]

I know this is an older video but I just wanted to say that I think I can make a Dresden plate quilt after watching this! You’re a great teacher!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

You are so welcome!

[@sewterie]

Thanks for the tutorial. I have made some. Your video helped.

[@francesschireson-dody1516]

You outdid yourself! Loved this set of videos. You are such a great teacher.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Wow, thank you!

[@cindymcfarland4686]

Your pressing the center registration line is a great idea. I happen to own Susan Cleveland's prairie point maker (because I love prairie points!) and I found that her tool is perfect for inserting into the tip of the dresden. It is metal and you can iron right over it while it's inserted into the tip of the dresden. I've made plenty of dresdens and they are so much fun. Thanks.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Great tip!

[@olajordan9951]

Best tute I’ve seen on the Dresden. Great thanks.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cheryljustus8131]

Love to watch you, you make it so easy to understand

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I appreciate that!

[@jean-oe3uw]

Awesome tutorial! Best way ever to make a perfect center circle. You’re a great teacher!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Thanks so much!

[@jean-oe3uw]

@@Chatterboxquilts I have now made 2 floral table toppers on chambray using your methods, and they are Perfect! Your video not only showed me exactly how to do it, but made me feel confident I could! A thousand Thanks!

[@salihabenmalek3257]

Thank you for your help

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Happy to help

[@gypsysmom7096]

After turning the circle I sometimes add batting for dimension. Sometimes I "point" both ends of the blade and put a piece of fabric (to represent the center of a flower) under the center. I also love using tone-on-tone batiks to make the flowers.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Great ideas. Thanks for sharing those.

[@psum6537]

I would love to see your project!

[@pattyward8898]

I love that you use Janome. I bought the M7 and love it! Had a Memory Craft 7700 that I had for several years and loved it, but when my friend who works in a quilt shop showed me the M7, I had to have it!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Wonderful!

[@guadalupeblakey9926]

So beautiful. I have one I have not finished so now the time( if I can find it.)

[@patriciaguevara8793]

I’ve never made a Dresden Plate quilt. I have a template - I’m thinking maybe now is the time to use it!!

[@krissielongknife1479]

You might want to make 20 blades for the plate

[@blendapatterson9790]

How to make a dress and play from start to finish quilt

[@sharadapersaud4938]

Would love to buy one of the dresden template.

[@risalvabarbosapinto4038]

maravilhosa...

[@encarnacionada2]

Hi, Kim great tutorial I always thought that the Dresden Plates were always twenty blades? I make my Dresden Plate block in twenty blades 🤔I did not know we can make twelve blades Dresden Plate block Good to know I also make lots of pillows with these beautiful blocks🥰

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I think you can have as many blades as you like! No quilt police here.

[@encarnacionada2]

@@Chatterboxquilts oh okay different size of Dresden plate blocks that's awesome, does it depends on the sizes of the Dresden to know how many Dresden needed? Thank you🥰

[@bettykinchen4033]

I enjoyed your video! I want to make an 8" Dresden Plate block that will fit on a 9" background square. I am having trouble cutting the 12 blades to make it lie down into a perfect circle. Please advise the dimensions of the blades to make it work out. Thanks so much!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Math isn't my strong suit so my best suggestion is to start with an 8" circle and divide it into 12 parts and then you would have to double this (as you'll be folding the Dresdens in half). There may be an easier, more mathematical way, to do this but this is the only way I know to do it.

[@elizabethc3591]

Just wondering what the little pieces of fabric you put at the beginning and end of the seam you are sewing are for? Thanks for a wonderful video

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Those are leaders and enders and you can learn all about them in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWSWqmaInp1ljLssi=354Ty3Our4EgWXGi

[@m.a.trenary7293]

Do you make your own pressing solution? thanks and I always enjoy your tutorials.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I sometimes use my Mutli-Purpose Quilt Spray if I really want the fabric to be stiff - for cutting on a fabric cutter, but usually I use Easy Press by Acorn Precision Piecing Products. You can find a link for it in the Description below the video.

[@barbarahillegass2135]

Beautiful demo! What was product used to flatten seams?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

That is Easy Press Solution by Acorn Precision Piecing Products. There is a link to it in the Description below the video.

[@kimcebula9915]

I find it easier if I draw the circle on the back of the fabric. Layer with the interface and sew. Then cut with pinking sheers a scant 1/4 inch around outside of stitching.

[@jackiewoodrealestate]

Hi, great tutorial I am also curious what size of Janome are you using in this video, it has a great throat space!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

This was made with the Janome M7 (the Beast!). Yes, great throat space for free motion quilting and making projects as well as lots of other amazing options on it.

[@susanpalmer1875]

Wish I would have watched your video before I sewed all my wedges together. Now that I have “corrected “ my seam allowances “ do you suggest removing the scant 1/4”?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

You don't need to but you might find that the plate doesn't lie as flat with the 2 lines of stitching.

[@susiejohnson4530]

GREAT video!! what is that TINY square piece of fabric that is always under the presser foot a bit? LOOKS real handy. is there a tutorial on it AND do you have some BEGINNER sewing machine tutorials? sewing tutorials in general? I had to learn to sew during the PANDEMIC so my "skills" are limited to making masks mostly, I DID make some pretty good curtains for my PANDEMIC PANIC PANTRY I had built too. My great aunt used to make these Dresden plate quilt squares and TONS of others when she was in her 80's and 90's. She could barely see but her husband and her brother ironed the fabric pieces and helped her cut it into the shapes. She sewed them ALL by hand!! she made hundreds of quilts. All 3 of them were in the same "nursing home" back in the 70's, and made the most of their LONG time there. Luckily they were all very healthy-I was too young to ask WHY they were there. Thanks for the video and great tips.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

glad you liked it, Susie! The small fabric pieces are leaders and enders. Find out why I use them in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWSWqmaInp1ljLs.

[@TreebeardsHome]

I’m curious, why are the Martelli templates black? Doesn’t that make it difficult to see your fabric under the shape you’re cutting? Especially if you’re wanting to do fussy cutting or repeats? I’ve seen so many great & innovative items they’ve added to the quilting world. But I’ve never seen templates that aren’t clear. I’m genuinely curious how that functions & why they decided to use a black opaque material for their templates. I can’t find the answer on the website in faqs or in their product descriptions. Thanks for the great video. I’ve been admiring dresdens lately & I appreciate seeing your approach. Hope you have a great week.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I can't answer for Martelli but you don't need to see through their templates to use them. They do have special fussy cutting templates in various shapes that work very well. You can see these on my video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJfHdn13Z55kbck

[@TreebeardsHome]

Chatterbox Quilts - Thank you for your answer & sharing your video. It’s an interesting decision. Hope you have a great day.

[@debgok]

I need to create a 12 inch block. Is there a way to determine blade size based on quilt block size?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Here's my best guess at this one: create a circle that fits into the 12" block. Find the centre of your block (fold it in 4) and then measure out from the centre to the edge of the circle and this is the longest that a blade could be.

[@angiefranceskirwan]

Is it possible, if you just want an empty center, to fold back the bottom of the blade 1/4" and sew it down to secure it like the top of the blade?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Yes, you could do this and it should work.

[@annebuck1669]

Where can I get the cirlcle pttern you used or the center circle?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

The circle template comes with the Martelli Dresden Flower 12" template. There is a link to where you can find this product in the Description below the video.

[@melissaelkins6611]

How would you make the panels bigger to fit the table you have?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

You could either sew several blocks together or you could make larger Dresden plates - you can make them in any size depending on the tool you are using.

[@vickytuttlegraf]

What is the yellow pad you are pressing on called?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

That is part of the Martelli round about system. It's the iron top. There is also a base and a cutting mat and you can interchange the iron top with the cutting mat. The system can be purchase separately or all together. This "turntable" system is especially great for cutting as you can move the cutting surface rather than your fabric. If you'd like more information, go to bit.ly/martellicode and search for "round-about". #affiliatelink

[@lindakuczynski1238]

Just wondering why you use what seems to a piece of fabric a the beginning a nd of your stitching

[@Chatterboxquilts]

These are leaders and enders that help to prevent your fabric from being sucked down into the needle plate as well as protecting the bottom of my feet from wear. Check out my video on why I do this at kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWSWqmaInp1ljLs

[@mrslincoln5118]

May I ask what machine you are using that has an automatic foot lift?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

This is on the Janome M7 - so helpful for many techniques.

[@hillyj1]

Can be done using old ties too

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Yes!

[@Joyce-lq6gm]

What kind of iron do you use?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Currently I'm using an older iron which is a steam iron (but I don't use water in it). I don't think you can buy it any more as it is over 10 years old. Look for a video coming up in the next few weeks on my thoughts on what type of iron to buy - and why.

[@Joyce-lq6gm]

@@Chatterboxquilts thank you!

[@hesterbooysen70]

Apologies for asking the width as you have mentioned 12"length I am battling to find the gadgets in our area in SA and like to make my own template

[@Chatterboxquilts]

You can find out more information about their templates at the Martelli website at www.martellinotions.com/martelli-template-prairie-point-template-12.html.

[@kathymullis4237]

When I start to stitch , my needle pulls the thread down . How can I stop this 😫

[@kathymullis4237]

It should say 'pulls my fabric down '.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

This is where leaders and enders (or headers and footers) come in handy. Check out y video on these at kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWHFq6eNZsijpJo.

[@helenfitch3440]

You use a donkey ... So do I .they are wonderful. Took me forever to get used to using it but I'm pretty good now.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

A "donkey"? I'm guessing autocorrect jumped in here to "help" you with your comment.😉

[@helenfitch3440]

@@Chatterboxquilts no we call them donkeys .you call them starters and ender's or something . Any way they are the greatest. My grand daughter is starting to use the ones I made for her when she sews now. She is only 12 and by the time she is my age 69 she will be very good with them. Enjoyed the Dresden tute.

[@blendapatterson9790]

Howtoputdresdan quilt together

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I hope to do more videos on what you can do with Dresden plate designs in future videos.

[@psum6537]

It’s best to start stitching a few stitches in , back stitch to the edge then finish to the raw edge. No thread ends at the outside.