How to applique Dresden Plates on quilt block

Yesterday on QUILTsocial, we created four Dresden Plate blocks to embellish four 12½ʺ x 12½ʺ background blocks which form the top and bottom quilted bands on a pretty and practical covering that’s part quilt and part towel. I’ve dubbed it a ‘quiltowel”. It’s perfect for lakeside reading or as a beach blanket.

To applique the plates to the background blocks, place them, right side down onto a non-stick applique mat. Spray the wrong sides of the plates with 505 Temporary Fabric Adhesive.

Measure the plate edges about 2″ from edges of the background block. Though the adhesive will keep the plate in place for the most part, I also used a few quilting pins to make sure they didn’t shift as they were moved around during the applique process.

Place the block into an embroidery hoop, and tighten. Use a small quilting in-between needle threaded with Gütermann Silk Thread. This fine, strong thread is perfect for applique since it resists knotting and is almost invisible when used in hand applique.

Place a small stitch that catches just the edge of the Dresden Plate. Don’t pull too much, but keep an even tension all the way around the applique. The hoop will likely have to move at least three times in order to allow access to all edges of the plate. With each move, take care not to make the block so tight in the hoop that the fabric pulls and distorts.

Give the appliqued blocks a good press with lots of steam.

Spray baste the center circles and pin. Place the block back in the hoop, and applique the centers to the Dresden Plate.

If you like, go around the center circle with embroidery thread using an even running stitch.