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Finishing a Dresden Fan/Plate Block- the easy way!

March 6, 2015 9 Comments

Any Dresden Fan/Plate block comes with a hole in the center. Usually it is covered with a circle that is appliqued over it.
Finding the exact center of a block is not fun and it takes time. Out of necessity, here is how I thought to transform this annoying task into something quick and fun.

Tips for finishing the Dresden Fan Plate block

First, I don’t like circles! If they aren’t PERFECT, you immediately notice the imperfections.  So instead of circles I finished my Dresden blocks with octagons (because my block was turned into an octagon).

I made a paper template that has a shape similar with the shape in the center of my block. See the black wreath –  there are 24 edges for this wreath, but the template doesn’t need all those 24 edges. I made it with 8 edges, an octagon.
The template’s size must be smaller than the inside of the black wreath.
I measured the inside of my black wreath and made the template 1/2” smaller.
Then I cut out from the center an octagon – 1/4” bigger than the size of the octagon I have to applique on the center.

Dresden Fan/Plate Block

Here is the process:
1. Place the template over the block, keeping it centered – just align the template’s edges (top, bottom, left and right) with the corresponding black edges.

 Dresden Fan/Plate Block

2. Then apply some glue to the turned edges of the octagon and center it into the cut out window.  Finger-press well.

 Dresden Fan/Plate Block

Voila!! Quick, fun and easy!

 Dresden Fan/Plate Block

Some of my blocks have a bigger black wreath so I made other template for them.

 Dresden Fan/Plate Block

It is that easy!!

 Dresden Fan/Plate Block

I don’t have any other particular block in mind now, but I imagine  this method works for other blocks too, blocks that need some appliques in the center.
You can make the template even in the shape of the final block if the block doesn’t have a clear design around the center, like my blocks.

OK, I know there are too many words in this post, I hope the pictures explain the process better, in case you don’t have patience to read them all or I did not explain it clear enough.  This really makes this task fast and easy and fun!

I hope this helps some of you.
Geta 

Complete pattern available, if you want to sew your own version.

Dresden fan plate quilt pattern - patchwork quilt using a modified Dresden Fan Plate block. Turn the circle block into a square, it requires only piecing!
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Filed Under: quilting tutorials

Comments

  1. Paula Louceiro says

    March 6, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    Nice solution for this issue. I don't like circles too.
    The explanation are wonderfull.
    Beautifull blocks. Congrats and thank you for share.

    Reply
  2. ipatchandquilt says

    March 6, 2015 at 6:21 pm

    Great idea Geta!
    Esther
    esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  3. PeggyinNO says

    March 6, 2015 at 7:44 pm

    What a great idea! The block looks like it "should" have the octagonal center and not the round one anyway!! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  4. legato1958 says

    March 6, 2015 at 10:10 pm

    These are really clever, and accurate, ways to make the dresden and that center!
    I like your tutorial…. perfect with lots of words AND lots of excellent pictures! I can understand what you do!
    They turn out so beautiful in your hands, and rotary cutter!!
    Susie

    Reply
  5. Lynn says

    March 7, 2015 at 1:57 am

    These blocks are so pretty – love the stripes in the middle of the strips. Great idea to have the hexies for the centers too.

    Reply
  6. Shasta Matova says

    March 7, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    That is an excellent idea. Does make a lot of sense.

    Reply
  7. Sandi Pierie says

    March 7, 2015 at 5:47 pm

    What a great block! I follow your blog daily and enjoy your posts. I just took a class at my local janome store for the Flower power quilt. I learned a lot. Need to finish the quilting on it. I think I will try this dresden block.

    Reply
  8. Amy DeCesare says

    March 7, 2015 at 10:04 pm

    Just brilliant!

    Reply
  9. Silvia says

    March 9, 2015 at 6:47 am

    I like this way to resolve the central hole…thank you Geta! Again, a good tips and I think a begining for a new quilt? Happy quilting!

    Reply

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