Let’s learn how to piece a new style of Dresden Plate quilt block - a Dresden Ring! Our new and improved Dresden Template Set is now available and I can’t wait to teach you how to use them to make creative Dresden Plate and Dresden Ring Quilt Blocks.
Tools and supplies used in this Dresden Ring quilt tutorial:
Preparation to Piece Dresden Ring #1
To make this 12 petal, fused curved edge Dresden Ring, you’ll need the following materials:
Fabric A – 3 1/2 x 21-inch strip
Fabric B – 3 1/2 x 21-inch strip
Background square – 14 inch square (roughly) – we will trim this down to 12 1/2 inches when it’s time to piece a quilt together.
Now follow along with the video and fuse 1-inch strips of fusible web to the back of the Fabric A and B.
Cut out 6 petals of each color using Template #4 – 12 Petal Curved. To cut, align the #2 etched line on the bottom edge of the fabric strip. Make sure the curved edge of the template is corresponding with the edge that has fusible web on the back as shown in this pic:
How to Piece Dresden Ring Quilt Block #1
The key with Dresden Rings is we will finish the inner edge of the petals as well as the outer edge. The outer edge of these petals will be a fused, curved edge. That means we only need to finish the inside edge, which we are piecing to form a point.
Fold the petals in half, right sides together, and stitch along the short straight edge. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to reduce fraying. Follow along with the video to see how I trim and turn the petals, and press them flat so they are symmetrical.
Next, piece the Dresden Ring together in sets of 3 petals. You’ll need two sets of Fabric A-B-A and two sets of B-A-B. Follow along with the video to see how I check the Dresden Ring quarters are square and then piece them together to complete the ring.
How to Secure Your Dresden Ring
Fold your background fabric square in half and press to create crease lines running through the center in both directions. Peel off all the paper on the back of the fusible web. Center the Dresden Ring on the fabric and fuse it in place. Using a Microtip Bottle, glue the inner points of the ring in place and press with a hot, dry iron to heat set the glue.
Finish the Dresden Ring with a bit of stitching around the inner and outer edges. I like to use a straight stitch, 1/8 inch away from either the raw or folded edge of the fabric. I’ve decided to use white thread throughout to make securing the 1930s fabrics down quick and easy.
We have many fun Dresden Plate and Dresden Ring quilt block tutorials to come. I can’t wait to show you all the fun shapes you can cut with the new Dresden Template Set.
Let’s go Quilt,
Leah Day
Find more Dresden Plate and Dresden Ring Quilt Block tutorials by clicking the images below:
