Free Pattern for a Dresden Plate Block Quilt

This Dresden Plate pattern gives you some choices. The basic pattern uses two variations but you are welcome to use just one or the other. On the history page I showed you the curved end or sharp end variations. In this pattern I've combined the two.

I've designed a 10 inch block but if you want blocks of another size you can resize the applique templates on a copy machine. You will find the templates at Dresden Plate PDF.

Be sure you read The Dresden Plate Quilt Pattern and it's History before starting your quilt. You will find making this quilt will be more meaningful and fun once you know the pattern's background.

Use your favorite applique method. If you are fusing the applique cut on the inner template line. for Hand applique cut at the outer line so that you will have fabric to turn under. The seam line is set at 1/4 inch but you may prefer to make it narrower.

Find the center of each block to help you position your applique. There will be a little white space all around the finished block.

In making this quilt, you can adjust the size by how many blocks you use.

In the example shown above I've added a white border to give a little more white space around the edges of the quilt. I've seen this on quilts of the period but in truth they did borders a great many ways. You could even put sashing between the blocks if you wish.

A truly fancy Dresden Plate Quilt would have had an Ice Cream Cone border around it like the one pictured to the left. If you decide to make one you need to be a skilled quilt maker or very brave. The trick is getting the cones to come out even at the corners. Since people will be making different sized quilts I realized there is no way I could make a border pattern to fit for all. But I did put together a template for the cone and the alternate plain triangle. Hopefully it will help get you started. It's on this Ice Cream Cone Border PDF. You could make it bigger or smaller. After you have set the size you want add a 3/4 inch seam. You will probably have to add some plain border to get the right length for the finished cones. It would take some experimenting.

� 2007 Judy Anne Breneman

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