Raw Edged Dresden Plate Pillow

I have been seeing this popular quilting design known as the "Dresden Plate" popping up all over popular internet sites and blogs. I instantly fell in love with the design and all the unique possibilities for creating variations. Why is it called a Dresden plate? After a little research, I found that the name for this traditional quilting design reflects the romance of the Victorian Era and it's love of elaborate decoration on household items. Dresden, Germany was a center of 19th century romanticism movement in art. So this seemingly elaborate design became known as the "Dresden Plate," and we still call it that today.

Since this is my first attempt at a Dresden Plate, I decided to start simple. I left my edges raw and fused my plate to a burlap pillow.

Here is a brief tutorial of how I completed my Raw Edged Dresden Plate Pillow.

Using Microsoft word and the shapes tool, I chose this shape and printed in out onto cardstock to use as a pattern for tracing shapes onto my fused fabrics (used fusible webbing, an iron and pressing surface).

There are special rulers and other quilting tools you can use for this step as well.

After I had all my shapes traced, I cut them out and arranged them in a repeating pattern, overlapping them slightly. A Dresden plate needs a center so I traced a large circle onto red fused fabric and cut it out.

I used a Home Elegance Pillow Form from Fairfield Processing Corporation in a size 16" x 16" so I cut two pieces measuring 17" x 17" which will give me 1/2" seam allowance. Now its time to begin peeling the paper backing away and arranging the pieces on the burlap.

Once the pattern is laid out, you can sew the edges down using your sewing machine, thread and a straight stitch. Note that most often, quilters finish raw edges with seams but I am leaving mine raw for this particular pillow project.

Once your pieces are sewn in place, the fun part begins... Embellishing!!

I started with buttons from Buttons Galore and More including Hand Dyed Buttons from Laura Kelly and The Haberdashery .

But I didn't stop there. I printed a sentiment onto inkjet cotton fabric to showcase in this tiny resin frame I had in my stash. I know that hard embellishments make the pillow less functional but I was going for interest and detail for decoration rather than functionality.

I did use a little tacky glue on the fabric and frame but used a hand sewing needle and thread to attach it as well. I loved the stitched on look of this. I took it just a little further with an organza ribbon flower and felted details.

Once your details are in place. Place the burlap pieces for the front and back of the pillow together and sew the left, top and right sides together, leaving the bottom open for turning. Turn the pillow right sides out and press the seams down with a steam iron.