CHRISTMAS DRESDEN QUILT

Instructions

Reference the downloadable project sheet for project pattern diagrams.

Note: This template has been scaled. You will need to print this template at actual size and blow it up by 110% to make it full size.

Preparation and Cutting

From background fabric cut four, 19 1/2" (50cm) squares

From sashing fabric cut four, 19 1/2" x 2" strips

From fabric for centre square and corner squares, cut one, 2" square and four, 4" squares and then with remaining fabric cut five, 2 1/2" strips (WOF - width of fabric) for binding.

From the fabric for the outer borders cut four, 4" x 40".

Trace the Dresden blade shape onto the template plastic and cut out (template provided).

Making the Dresden Blades

1. From the fabrics you have selected for the blades, and using the blade template cut 8 blades from each fabric. You will need a total of 72 blades.
2. Stitch each blade together along the top edge by folding the blade in half lengthwise right sides together and stitching 1/4" across the top of the blade.
3. Turn your blades back to the right side facing (you may wish to trim the corner from the blade to minimize bulk) and then turn carefully using a pointed tool.
4. Now take your blade and position the seam down, into the middle of the back of the blade so you create a pointed blade. Press the blades firmly.
5. Arrange 18 of the blades into a circle pattern that you are happy with and begin to stitch them together firstly in pairs down the length of the blade, pressing seams open as you go. Then continue stitching the pairs together until you have stitched all 18 blades together to form a ring. Press firmly.
6. Pin the Dresden plate onto one of the background squares, making sure to centre it, then stitch it down, about 1/8" from the edge.
7. Repeat this process until you have completed all four blocks.
8. Stitch two Dresden blocks squares together using a 2" sashing strip in between. Repeat for the other two Dresden blocks. Press seams towards the sashing strip.
9. Stitch the other two sashing strips to the 2" centre square. Press the seams towards the sashing. Lay out your pieces into rows and stitch them together to create one big block.
10. Taking a 4" square that you cut for the corners, stitch one to each end of two of the border pieces. Press the seams towards the border piece.
11. Take the other two border pieces and stitch to either side of the Dresden block. Press seams towards the border. Stitch the top and bottom borders on to the quilt.

Backing and Binding

1. To finish, cut backing fabric into 2 lengths and stitch it together lengthwise, press seam open. When you are ready to quilt it, sandwich the front and backing together with the wadding and pin your quilt thoroughly, then it's ready to machine quilt. Or alternatively you could take it to your local long-arm quilter to finish.
2. When your quilt has been quilted, it's ready to put the binding on. Stitch all the binding lengths together to create one long length. Fold the strip in half, wrong sides together and press down the length of the binding. Stitch the binding to the front edge of the quilt using a 1/4" seam, mitring the corners as you go. Hand stitch the binding to the back of your quilt. And don't forget to label and date your quilt!