If you’re passionate about quilting and enjoy intricate quilt patterns, the Spike Dresden Plate is a wonderful block to add to your collection.
This guide walks you through every step needed to create this eye-catching design, from fabric selection and cutting to assembly.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, the Spike Dresden Plate offers a unique way to showcase your quilting skills.
What is the Spike Dresden Plate Quilt Pattern?
The Spike Dresden Plate quilt pattern is a variation of the classic Dresden Plate design, adding pointed “spikes” to each petal to create a starburst effect. This pattern’s distinct look comes from the sharp angles of the spikes that radiate from the center, adding a bold, modern twist. Many quilters find the Spike Dresden Plate appealing for its versatile look, suitable for both traditional and contemporary quilt projects.
This design requires careful fabric selection and precise piecing, but the final result is well worth the effort. The beauty of this quilt block lies in its customization possibilities, as you can play with colors and patterns to achieve a unique look each time. Understanding the basics of quilting and quilt patterns will help you tackle this pattern more confidently.
For this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the materials you’ll need, the cutting instructions, and each assembly step to complete the Spike Dresden Plate quilt block. By following these steps closely, you can create a beautifully intricate quilt piece to incorporate into your quilted projects.
Materials and Fabric Preparation
To make the Spike Dresden Plate quilt block, gather your materials and prepare the fabrics to ensure you have everything you need before starting. For a single block, you will need several fabric cuts in different colors or prints, as well as a contrasting fabric for the center circle. Here is a list of essential materials.
Fabric Requirements
- Petals and Spikes: Choose three to four different fabrics for the petals and spikes, ensuring that they contrast with each other for a striking effect. Fat quarters work well for this purpose, as they allow flexibility in pattern variation.
- Background Fabric: You will need a square background fabric large enough to accommodate the entire plate; a 12.5″ square should suffice for a single block.
- Center Circle: A small piece of contrasting fabric for the center circle, approximately 4.5″ in diameter, completes the look.
Tools Needed
To create the Spike Dresden Plate, you’ll need standard quilting tools such as a rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, and sewing machine. A Dresden ruler or template will also be helpful for cutting the petal shapes, ensuring consistent sizes for each spike and petal.
Prepping the Fabric
Iron your fabrics before cutting to remove any wrinkles and ensure clean, precise cuts. It’s recommended to starch your fabric pieces lightly, which helps to keep edges sharp and makes assembly easier, especially with the pointed spikes in this design.
Cutting the Fabrics: Precise Measurements for the Spike Dresden Plate
Cutting the fabrics for the Spike Dresden Plate requires precision to ensure the petals and spikes fit together neatly. Begin by measuring and cutting according to the instructions below.
Cutting the Petals
- Using your Dresden ruler, cut 12 petal shapes from your chosen fabrics, alternating colors if you’d like a varied look. Each petal should measure approximately 4″ wide at the base and 6″ tall.
- For a spiked effect, cut the tip of each petal at an angle, creating a pointed end. Ensure each spike is uniform by using a template or marking guide.
Cutting the Background
For the background, cut a 12.5″ square from the background fabric. This piece will be the foundation on which you’ll assemble the Dresden Plate block.
Cutting the Center Circle
Finally, cut a 4.5″ diameter circle from the center fabric. This piece will cover the pointed petal tips in the center of the block, giving the block a polished finish. Use a circle template or cup to trace a perfect circle before cutting.
Sewing the Spike Dresden Plate Petals
Now that you have your pieces cut, it’s time to start assembling the petals. Sewing the petals with precision will create the spiked appearance and provide structure for the Dresden Plate.
Sewing the Spike Shape
- Begin by folding each petal piece in half, with the right sides facing together, and sew along the top pointed edge. This seam creates the spike.
- Trim any excess fabric from the point, turn it right side out, and use a blunt tool to push out the point. This technique gives each petal its defined, sharp edge.
Joining the Petals
Once each petal is complete, arrange them in a circle on your workspace. Sew the petals together, one by one, along the side edges until all are joined in a circle. Ensure that each spike points outward and aligns symmetrically with the others.
Final Pressing
Press the seams open carefully as you go, and press the entire circle flat once completed. This step prepares the assembled petal ring for attaching it to the background fabric, creating a neat, flat surface for the final block.
Attaching the Dresden Plate to the Background
Attaching the Spike Dresden Plate to the background requires a steady hand and attention to detail. Center the petal ring onto the background fabric to prepare it for secure attachment.
Positioning the Plate
Place the petal ring on the background square, ensuring it’s centered. Use fabric glue or pins to temporarily hold it in place. The points of each spike should face outward evenly, with the base edges resting firmly on the background fabric.
Appliqué Stitching
To secure the Dresden Plate to the background, sew along the edges of the petal ring. Use a small zigzag or straight stitch, depending on your preferred look. Carefully guide the fabric through the machine, ensuring the edges are neatly sewn down without puckering.
Adding the Center Circle
Once the petal ring is attached, place the 4.5″ fabric circle in the center, covering the inner edges of the petals. Use an appliqué stitch to sew it down, securing the center and completing the design. This step adds a polished, finished look to the block.
Final Touches and Assembling Your Quilt
The final touches to your Spike Dresden Plate will ensure that your quilt block stands out in any quilt pattern. These last steps enhance the block’s durability and prepare it for integration into a quilt top.
Pressing and Trimming
Press the completed block thoroughly to ensure all seams lie flat and the block remains square. Trim any excess fabric or loose threads for a clean finish. This preparation will make it easier to assemble multiple blocks into a larger quilt project.
Joining the Blocks
If you’re creating multiple Spike Dresden Plate blocks for a quilt, repeat the above steps for each block. Join them together by sewing sashing or directly aligning blocks for a continuous design.
Finishing the Quilt Top
Once all blocks are assembled, finish the quilt by adding a border, batting, backing, and quilting stitches. The Spike Dresden Plate adds a dramatic focal point to any quilt, making it a versatile addition to your quilting repertoire.
The Spike Dresden Plate is a captivating quilt pattern that brings elegance and complexity to any quilt. By following this tutorial, you’ve learned how to cut, assemble, and sew this unique block with ease. As you continue to refine your skills, this pattern will become a cherished part of your quilt pattern library, adding both beauty and depth to your projects. Whether for a full-sized quilt or as an accent in a smaller project, the Spike Dresden Plate is sure to impress. Happy quilting!
