Stripping the Dresden

Next month is my turn to create block for the 9 members of the Bee to re-create. I love Dresden Plates but wanted to experiment with strip piecing the blades. I chose solids out of my scrap bag to create this design. I have not decided what background I will use or whether I will leave a plain centre or fussy cut fabric.

Here is a simple tutorial for making strip pieced Dresden plates - an alternative for using single fabrics for each blade.

Step 1 : Download the blade template here

Step 2 : Make 12 copies. Cut out paper foundations.

Step 3: Start adding strips from the top of the foundation. Cut the strips so they are not straight. Don't make the strips too wide, vary sizes to introduce many colours into the blade.

Hint: Attach a wider strip at the top and bottom of the foundation template and avoid having seams where the point is made at the top.

Step 4: When foundation is covered, trim and remove the paper.

Step 5 : Make the blades

• with right sides together, fold blade in half lengthwise
• Sew 1/4" along top of folded blade.
• Snip the corner of the folded piece to allow a nice crisp point
• Turn the blade right side out. Use a pointed object to push the point out.
• Centre the seam and press so blade is even on both sides.

I have sewn the strips horizontally onto the blade. Try alternating each blade with vertically sewn strips.

Step 6: Arrange in threes. Sew together to form halves. Sew halves together.

Step 7 - Make centre by cutting a 4" circle and raw edge appliquéing to centre. Alternatively, add a 1/4" seam allowance and needle turn circle to centre.

Step 8 - Applique to background

Finished block 24" x 24"