Dresden Pattern Draft

[E.M. T.]

I drafted my first Dresden plate pattern and I thought I had it correct, but the construction in fabric really threw me off. I’d like to know if this has happened to anyone else.
I began with an exact circle (drafted with a ruler fitted with compass holes) and divided it into 4 sections using the X and Y axis. I drew a smaller circle in the center for the familiar Dresden shape. I then separated one quadrant of the circle and folded it twice, down the center, forming 4 “petals”. I separated (cut) one petal and measured it against the other folds to make sure it didn’t grow or shrink. I then shaped the outer edge into the familiar Dresden point and added my seam allowance to the pattern shape.
Now, by my calculations, 4 petals times 4 sections should equal 16, so, I cut 16 petals and began sewing. It was shaping up nicely, until I got to the last petal - I had a large gap in the plate. It wasn’t just an “Oh I can fudge seam allowance” kind of thing, it was a solid gap of about 4 petals; so, I stitched up another 4 petal section and boom, it fit beautifully and pressed perfectly flat. My plate was complete with 20 petals.
I had just assumed I did something wrong in my calculations or folded incorrectly, but I checked my pattern and compared it the cut pieces and the finished plate. The pattern matched the finished petals and fit back into the original circle perfectly. Bizarre.
I looked up other Dresden quilts and I noticed that a lot of them use 20 petals so I didn’t know if my situation was just the norm or if I had created some new kind of experimental math that I should be presenting to rocket scientists. LOL
Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[ANNE E.]

Hi Quiltpress,
Show 502 with Anelie Belden shows Dresden plate.
Maybe you didn't allow for the 1/4 inch each side of the sections..........just a thought
Anne

[Andree B.]

If I could see pictures of this... as if 5 petals make your quadrant, there must be an omission in the seam allowances perhaps?

Andrée

[Andree B.]

Hi Quiltpress,
Show 502 with Anelie Belden shows Dresden plate.
Maybe you didn't allow for the 1/4 inch each side of the sections..........just a thought
Anne

Nope, I added seam allowance around the entire piece. But that was my thought too when I first noticed it. Thanks.

[Andree B.]

If I could see pictures of this... as if 5 petals make your quadrant, there must be an omission in the seam allowances perhaps?

Andrée

Nope, I added 1/4 inch seam allowance around the entire paper piece. I don't have the pattern with me, but I can post it later today if I get a chance. Thanks.

[Andree B.]

If we could see the cut pattern against the finished Dresden-Plate, might shed some light on this...

Andrée

[Andree B.]

If we could see the cut pattern against the finished Dresden-Plate, might shed some light on this...

Andrée

I don't have it with me, but I'll post it as soon as I can.

[Andree B.]

What was the size of the inital circle (diameter)?
Andrée

[Andree B.]

What was the size of the inital circle (diameter)?
Andrée

The drafted circle was 5 inches, but because of the extra 4 petal section I had to add, the circle grew to 6 inches. It wasn't that big of a deal because of where I was using it though, so i just went with it.

[Andree B.]

So the tip of the point would be on that line?
So, a 5 inches circle, and the inner circle was how big?
(sorry for asking many questions, but I think I have a clue)

Andrée

[Andree B.]

So the tip of the point would be on that line?
So, a 5 inches circle, and the inner circle was how big?
(sorry for asking many questions, but I think I have a clue)

Andrée

Ask away! Believe me, I was questioning my sanity as I was making it. LOL
The inner circle was 1" but grew to just under 2" when I had to add the extra 4 petal group.

[Andree B.]

Hi Quiltpress,

About 28 years ago I went through the same process of drafting a Dresden Plate and recall something in the math re the fact that you have two 1/4' added to each petal so total of 1/2 and inch etc. I'll see if I can find my original drafts up in studio and If I do will let you know how I figured it.

meanwhile, good luck

Jeanine

[Andree B.]

Hi Quiltpress,

About 28 years ago I went through the same process of drafting a Dresden Plate and recall something in the math re the fact that you have two 1/4' added to each petal so total of 1/2 and inch etc. I'll see if I can find my original drafts up in studio and If I do will let you know how I figured it.

meanwhile, good luck

Jeanine

Thanks!

[Andree B.]

You have to remember that the pieces, added together, have to equal 360 degrees. If they don't, you will never get it to work.

[Andree B.]

I think the answer is in the seam allowances. At this size, a small difference will have a huge impact.

I printed a Dresden plate drawn in EQ7, 16 blades (4 blades per quadrant) at 2.5 inches (to make a circle of 5 inches):


Then, another one, 20 blades (5 blades per quadrant) at 3 inches (to make a circle of 6 inches):


I cut one blade in each to put them side by side...


The point of the blades are identical...

(next post - I have another picture to show...)