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.
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.
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.
2. Then apply some glue to the turned edges of the octagon and center it into the cut out window. Finger-press well.
Voila!! Quick, fun and easy!
Some of my blocks have a bigger black wreath so I made other template for them.
It is that easy!!
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
Nice solution for this issue. I don't like circles too.
The explanation are wonderfull.
Beautifull blocks. Congrats and thank you for share.
Great idea Geta!
Esther
esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com
What a great idea! The block looks like it "should" have the octagonal center and not the round one anyway!! Thanks for sharing!
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
These blocks are so pretty – love the stripes in the middle of the strips. Great idea to have the hexies for the centers too.
That is an excellent idea. Does make a lot of sense.
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.
Just brilliant!
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!