Traditional pattern, 1920s-1930s, public domain
A charming circular design made from tapered wedge-shaped petals arranged in a ring and appliqued onto a background square. Named after the ornate porcelain of Dresden, Germany, this pattern combines piecing and applique techniques for a flower-like medallion.
The Dresden Plate pattern became hugely popular in the 1920s and 1930s, named after the famous decorative porcelain produced in Dresden, Germany. The flower-like plate design with its radiating petals echoed the ornate patterns found on Dresden china and became one of the most widely made applique patterns in America.
Dresden Plate was a favorite scrap quilt pattern during the Great Depression, as the small petals could be cut from even tiny fabric remnants. It was commonly made as a friendship quilt, with each petal contributed by a different person. Kits for this pattern were among the first commercially sold quilt patterns in America.
Also known as: Grandmother's Sunbonnet, Friendship Ring, Aster, Chrysanthemum
finished Block Size
16 inches
seam Allowance
1/4 inch (pieced seams) and 3/16 inch (applique turn-under)
grid Basis
20 tapered wedge petals arranged in a circle on a background square, with optional center circle
units Required
20 petal wedges, 1 center circle, 1 background square
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petal wedge | Assorted scraps | 3.5" x 6.5" (use template) | 20 | Use Dresden wedge template; pointed or rounded top variations |
| Center circle | Red | 4" diameter circle | 1 | Add 3/16" turn-under allowance; use freezer paper method |
| Background square | Cream | 16.5" x 16.5" | 1 | — |
| Stabilizer circle (optional) | Lightweight interfacing | 12" diameter | 1 | Optional: iron to wrong side of background to stabilize applique area |
Cut 20 petals using the Dresden Plate wedge template. For pointed-top petals: fold the wide end right sides together, sew across the top at a 1/4-inch seam, turn right side out, and finger-press the point. For rounded-top petals: use a freezer paper template to turn and press the curved top edge.
Tip: Batch all 20 petal tops before moving on — set up an assembly line of fold, sew, turn, press.
Arrange all 20 petals in a circle, auditioning color placement for visual balance. Sew adjacent petals together along their long tapered edges with 1/4-inch seams, working around the ring. Press all seams in one rotational direction.
Tip: Alternate warm and cool colors, or light and dark values, for the most visually balanced plate.
Press the completed petal ring flat. Turn under the outer raw edge by 3/16 inch all around, pressing or basting in place. The inner raw edges will be covered by the center circle. Verify the plate is circular and symmetrical.
Tip: Use spray starch and a pressing template to ensure a perfectly round outer edge.
Center the prepared plate on the 16.5-inch background square. Pin or baste securely in place. Using a blind hem stitch or needle-turn applique, sew the outer edge of the plate to the background. Use thread that matches the petal fabrics.
Tip: Start appliquing at a seam between two petals — the junction hides the starting stitches.
Prepare the center circle using the freezer paper starch method: cut a freezer paper circle to finished size, iron it to the wrong side of the fabric, spray starch the seam allowance over the paper, let cool, and remove the paper. Applique the prepared circle over the center of the plate, covering all inner raw edges.
Tip: A perfect center circle makes the entire plate look professional — take extra time on this step.
Remove any basting stitches. Press the completed block from the back on a soft surface (towel) to avoid flattening the applique. Optionally, trim away the background fabric from behind the plate, leaving a 1/4-inch allowance, to reduce bulk for quilting.
Tip: Trimming the background from behind also makes hand quilting through the block much easier.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Straight set of 9 blocks (3x3) for a lap quilt
Alternating with plain blocks and sashing for a bed quilt
Single oversized plate (30+ petals) as a table topper centerpiece