Sew a Super-Sized Dresden

Dresden Quilt NancyZieman 2

Sew a Super-Sized Dresden

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Dresden Quilt NancyZieman 2

Start with an approachable lap-size quilt pattern and make a larger, bed-size quilt.  The larger Dresden appliqués can be stitched in approximately the same amount of time as smaller blocks, one of the bonuses to super-sizing your quilt blocks. The beauty of this template is that a Dresden Plate block can be made as small as 12” or as large as 40” — a total of six sizes.

I met Bonnie Page at Sewing Weekend, and she showed me these images of a quilt she made with my Dresden Template. It’s a modified version of the Dresden Lap Quilt that is featured in my book, Super-Sized Quilts. It’s always gratifying to see a viewer’s project that they created after watching Sewing With Nancy. Recently, Bonnie shared her photos of the larger quilt that she made using the instructions featured on my TV show, Super-Sized QuiltsThe project my staff and I made was a lap-size quilt. Bonnie wisely made it larger to serve as a bed comforter.

To create the quilts from this two-part series, try Sewing With Nancy’s Super-Sized Quilts Template, Book, and DVD collection.

Sew Super Size Quilts Easily with Tips and Techniques on Sewing With Nancy hosted by Nancy Zieman

Make the Quilt!

Make the Blue/Purple Dresden Lap Quilt in any size with the complete directions included in the Sew Grand Dresden Templates. Here’s a quick visual overview of how simply this block-based quilt goes together.

  • Choose fabrics.Dresden Nancy Zieman Supplies
  • Trace and cut the wedge shapes.
  • Cut a total of 20 wedges per complete Dresden circle.

Dresden Nancy Zieman 4

  • Fold and stitch the wedges.
  • Clip threads between chain-pieced wedges.
  • Turn right side out; press.
Note from Nancy: Make a pressing template from a 4″ square of tagboard. In the center of the pressing template, draw a straight line from corner to corner. Insert pressing template between fabric layers, aligning seam with straight line. Press. Use the pressing template to assure that all wedges will align in the next step.

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Dresden Nancy Zieman 10
  • Stitch Dresden wedges together.
  • Press seam allowances open.
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  • Five Dresden wedges will create one quarter of the Dresden circle.
Dresden Nancy Zieman 12
  • Stitch 10 pairs to make a plate.
Dresden Nancy Zieman 14
Dresden Nancy Zieman 15
  • Use a facing technique and circle template to create the center circles.
  • Choose the appropriate coordinating circle size for the Dresden you create.
  • Using squares of fabric and interfacing, pin the smooth side of the interfacing on the right side of the fabric.
Dresden Nancy Zieman 16
  • Center the circle template on the interfacing.
  • Use a fine tip marking pen to trace the circle onto the interfacing.

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  • Straight stitch, using a short stitch length, 2.0—2.5, directly on the marked curve.
Note from Nancy:
Use a short stitch length to ensure a smooth stitching line when sewing a curve. I often compare using a short stitch length to driving in the mountains. To maneuver the curvy road, a slower speed ensures that you’ll stay on course.
  • Use a rotary pinking blade to remove excess fabric.

Dresden Nancy Zieman 18

  • Remove the excess interfacing from within the circles, leaving approximately 1″ of interfacing.

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  • Turn the interfacing to the wrong side.
  • Use a turning tool to smooth the curves.
  • Press.

 Dresden Nancy Zieman 20

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  • Make four 16” Dresden plates and one 36” Dresden plate
  • Position the stitched Dresden plate in the center block.
  • Pin in place.
  • Use monofilament thread to edgestitch around the points.Dresden Lap Centerjpg
  • Add sashing to the center block.
Dresden Lap Quilt Sash
  • Add a second, wider border. Specific sewing instructions can be found in Super-Sized Quilts.
  • Position the smaller Dresden plates in the corners.
Dresden Lap Quilt Placement
  • Pin and edgestitch with monofilament thread. Choose a straight stitch, blanket stitch, or other decorative stitch.

Dresden Lap Quilt Stitch

Dresden Quilt NancyZieman 2

Bonnie Page’s Quilt

By adding multiple borders to the original Dresden Lap Quilt, Bonnie created a quilt large enough for her bed.

“After seeing the Dresden Lap Quilt at one of the seminars given by Nancy at Nancy’s Notions Sewing Weekend a couple of years ago, I was drawn to the design and immediately purchased the Trace’n Create Quilt Dresden Plate & Fan template set. After taking my prized purchase home, I thought about the making of the quilt for about a year, and I finally got the courage to buy the fabric to make the Dresden plates. I was afraid to start the quilt because it wasn’t designed for a queen size bed, but after completing the plates, I was ready to appliqué them on a background. My daughter helped me choose the dark blue background fabric, which really showcases the fabrics in the plates. There was a little math (not my strong suit) involved in deciding how wide to make the borders, but in the end, it looks like I wanted it to. Then I decided to try hand quilting and learned that the more you hand sew, the more even your stitches become. Every quilt I make becomes a learning experience in some way.

Now my granddaughters are wanting this quilt. So, with eight granddaughters and one grandson, I have a lot more quilts to make. I’ve done several youth quilts for them, but they want something more traditional.”—Bonnie Page

DresdenFanQuilt BonniePage 1

Bonnie used a combination of linear echo-quilting and swirled designs in each Dresden wedge to create a truly lovely finished design. Beautiful work!

DresdenFanQuilt BonniePage

DresdenFanQuilt BonniePage 2Adding Borders

Increase the size of your next quilt by adding a single border or a series of borders! Find more details and step-by-step directions to add borders in my book Fearless Quilting Finishes. Here’s a digital mock up of how easy it can be to grow your project to suit your desired sizes:

LargerLapQuilt NancyZieman

Watch The Best of Sewing With Nancy’s Super-Sized Quilts on Sewing With Nancy online.

For a chance to win a copy of the Super-Sized Quilts Book, from Nancy’s Notions, leave a comment below sharing what size quilt you make most often.

Nancy Zieman's Giveaway Winner

The randomly selected winner of the Change-Up Patchwork book/DVD from Nancy’s Notions is Mary Lou.

Her comment was, “Quilting is such a pleasure. Thank you for coming up with more inspiration for us.”

Sewing With Nancy Change Up Patchwork DVD hosted by Nancy Zieman

Bye for now,

Nancy Zieman The Blog

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The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman has provided products by other companies in the course of her business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.

 

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81 Comments

  • louice mott
    June 13, 2017

    this is gorgous are they hard to make I have a template for this I love the colours you choosen

  • Jennifer Reinke
    June 13, 2017

    The size of quilts I tend to gravitate to are more lap size or slightly larger. Oh, to make a larger one! That would be my dream. I even have a tote with a fabric line “stashed” for my bed sized (queen) quilt that I want to make for myself. I guess its all about my comfort zone–I need to shake things up and just go for it. Life’s too short . . . .

  • Jean
    June 13, 2017

    Most of the time I make a lap sized quilt. These are also a good size for a wall hanging

  • Annette Efta
    June 13, 2017

    I make all sizes. I have been making bed runners and double sized quilts lately

  • Karen A
    June 13, 2017

    I mostly make smaller quilts, baby or lap size. I have blocks done for a queen size and I’m starting to quilt a double sized quilt that was a mystery for our guild.

  • Julie Kill
    June 13, 2017

    This is exactly the pattern/ templates I need to make a quilt for our bed out of the Lake Superior Batiks from the State Quilt show this past week! I’ve been looking at patterns trying to decide what to use. THIS IS IT! Thank you again for your creative ideas!

  • Bertha Goggin
    June 13, 2017

    I make a lot of baby quilts!

  • Joyce Hill
    June 13, 2017

    I’m usually making full/queen size quilt. Love the Super Sized Dresden Quilt Blocks.

  • Valerie
    June 13, 2017

    Lap quilts are my go to.

  • Twyla
    June 13, 2017

    I have made Queen, regular, and twin sized bed quilts. Would love to obtain the DVD for Super-sized quilts. My children that are married have King sized beds and would like me to make them a quilt.

  • Ruth Bechtold
    June 13, 2017

    Lately I’ve been making lap size quilts for the VA Hospital but I love the Dresden pattern and have used it for wall hangings and smaller quilts.

  • Linda
    June 13, 2017

    I made a Dresden in the 1989 for my mom and dad. I like all the new technique’s that have made quilting more fun, better, faster and easier. I will have to revisit the Dresden Plate.

  • Rosalyn Schultze
    June 13, 2017

    I usually make queen sized quilts and this “super-sized” Dresden Quilt inspires me to make another. Thank you Nancy for your inspiration and commitment to making sewing much more enjoyable!

  • Ennis A
    June 13, 2017

    I’m just getting into machine Quilting. Would take advice and begin with lap quilts for the nursing home and then move on to this comforter size. I have always loved the Dresden plate pattern. Thanks for more inspiration and the easy instructions!!

  • Donna Ohl
    June 13, 2017

    This Dresden Plate came just at the right time. My mother gave me Dresden Plates she had pieced when she was 17 and 18 years of age.
    She past away last year Just before her 99th Birthday.
    I am going to applique a Dresden Plate on each of 3 pillows for my sisters and myself. The center of the Plate will be a picture of our Mother. I will embroider on the back of the pillow Mom’s name and the dates of her life. Thank you for your blogs.

  • Susan Spiers
    June 13, 2017

    Lap quilts-as I am still sewing on a domestic machine! Thank you, Susan

  • Helen G
    June 13, 2017

    I make all sizes of quilts as I give most of mine away and also like to use kits. I love the dresdan design and this quilt would be so much fun to make! Doesn’t look to difficult either which helps me out! Thanks for the giveaway.

  • Barbara Lussier
    June 13, 2017

    I usually make small, children-sized quilts with embroidered designs, but I really would like to make a quilt large enough for our queen size bed. I love the look of this super-sized dresden plate quilt. It’s beautiful, and not too busy. This may very well be my next big project.

  • Enid
    June 13, 2017

    I would love to make an oversized quilt with the Dresden plate. The children have California King beds.

  • Donna Rothacher
    June 13, 2017

    I love Dresden plate design and have always wanted to make one but as I am new to quilting sewing small pieces to make one is overwhelming. The larger sizes would help me so very much. I have always loved Nancy’s tips and her program.

  • EllenB
    June 13, 2017

    I usually finish bed sized quilts, and the occasional baby quilt for a gift. I think 4 of those large dresdens with borders would be great for a queen or king size.

  • Jan H
    June 13, 2017

    I usually sew super- sized queens or king-sized quilts as that is what fits my families beds. They are also nice for 2 people to share while watching a movie or TV. I would love to make the super-sized Dresden quilt!

  • Laura
    June 13, 2017

    This dresden plate pattern is fabulous and so versatile. I mostly make lap sized quilts as they are easiest for me to quilt on my home machine. I have a stack of bright fabrics set aside for a dresden plate quilt and will get them out soon to try this pattern. Thanks for sharing.

  • Linda C.
    June 13, 2017

    I like it. I would make a Dresden Plate quilt with applique around it.

  • Elaine
    June 13, 2017

    I mostly make twin or smaller quilts’generally givng them away. The super size Dresden plate suits my personal style and would also be an easy charity or baby quilt.

  • Kareen Englund
    June 13, 2017

    I made a King bed size, Dresden plate quilt for a friend…she wanted for her son….He wore SILK ties…. I took them apart and had to make a template for 20 ties.,, before I cut into the ties, I made a fabric Dresden Plate for me…. my shades of blue turned out very nice and the neck tie one even nicer… The silk ties are like working with egg whites!!! I since have made several varieties of Dresden Plate quilts…. my favorite is using two fabrics to make each wedge. the last one I made ended up looking like sun flowers. The lady was so happy…..

  • Marty
    June 13, 2017

    I prefer to make either lap quilts or queen sized.

  • judy
    June 13, 2017

    Blues have always been my favorite color way. You make it look so easy that it really inspires me to get something done. This Super-sizeed DVD would really get me moving. Tanks so much for all you do, Nancy.

  • Beverly
    June 13, 2017

    I most frequently make throw-sized quilts because my local guild gives them to various charitable causes in our community, and I like to gift them to family and friends ad well. I have seen one giant Dresden quilt made up in Maywood Studio’s Catalina fabrics on a black background and it was the most strikingly beautiful quilt I have seen.

  • Terry
    June 13, 2017

    The size I make most often is a size between a lap quilt and a twin size. Most of my recipients like a size that they can pull around them while they’re stretched out in a chair or on the couch watching TV. The size I make for myself (now that I can quilt-as-you-go) is a bedspread size. This way I can use it for a while and then donate the quilt when I have another project finished.

  • Bonnie
    June 13, 2017

    What a beautiful pattern! I usually make lap size quilts and would love to expand my quilting to super size quilts. Thanks for the great giveaway.

  • Starla
    June 13, 2017

    I most often make lap-size quilts. I like to make them rectangular, so two people can cuddle up together beneath them.

  • Martha
    June 13, 2017

    I’m all about the lap quilt with a nice cozy backing. There’s nothing like cuddling under a cozy quilt. I’ve not tried the Dresden pattern yet.

  • Karen
    June 13, 2017

    My preference of quilt size to make is queen size.

  • Clovis
    June 13, 2017

    Really colorful quilt. small is better for me. Thanks for the giveaway.

  • Susan Croinex
    June 13, 2017

    I have been making lap quilts. I wanted a quilt to hang as a headboard. This pattern would be ideal to adapt to my project.

  • Linda Rupe
    June 13, 2017

    Oversized queen, but not quite king. Large enough to drape nicely to the lower edge of the mattress all around.

  • L Watson
    June 13, 2017

    I would most likely make a twin sized quilt to give to one of my daughters. I would probably have a white background with bright colors for a modern look.

  • Diane Rochette
    June 13, 2017

    I make most of the quilts for queen size . or buy for queen size.quilts. That way if iI decide to go larger I have enough fabric.

  • Gina M
    June 13, 2017

    WOW! Ironic you should post this project, as I JUST finished sewing 12″ Dresdens from your templates! My friend gave me her husband’s neckties after he passed away. I promised to make her something from the ties. He had some Christmas novelty ties and a variety of red ties. I made a centerpiece for her table at Christmas (or it could be a mini-Christmas tree skirt). Shall I post a photo on your Facebook page?? It turned out very nice! THANK YOU for designing the *great* template!

  • Frances Claassens
    June 13, 2017

    I most often make twin size quilts, sometimes a new queen sized quilt for my bed.

  • beth
    June 13, 2017

    I would probably make a double bed quilt. I mostly make queen size quilts and lap quilts.

  • Guadalupe Weibelt
    June 13, 2017

    I like your explanation of different techniques you share with us. It really helps me to understand and view your wonderful patterns and Information that helps me to do better with my quilting and sewing.

  • Gail
    June 13, 2017

    Baby quilts and lap quilts are my favorites now. Not so much yardage to deal with!

  • Barbara Zabel
    June 13, 2017

    I have made baby quilts. I wanted to make bigger quilts and my sister took me with her to several classes. They were so much fun and she passed away before I completed one big quilt. I would like to be able to complete a quilt. Thank you.

  • Kathryn E
    June 13, 2017

    I make quilts in all sizes from 5″ x 7″ mini quilts for applique on baby bibs to 7 ft. x 10 ft. for office wall hanging. I want to use Dresden plate pattern in yellows and golds for sunflower lap quilt.

  • Sarah
    June 13, 2017

    I would probably make a twin size quilt. With bright modern colors and a white background
    so all the colors would pop! These quilts are so cute!

  • Mo L
    June 13, 2017

    Lap quilt, the grandchildren love to snuggle up with them.

  • alice
    June 13, 2017

    have a lot of scraps to deal with so this is a old favor
    -ite for me and I am ready to begin a new one it has been about 50 years since I made one should be fun for me

  • Brenda McNulty
    June 13, 2017

    I make mostly twin or lap robe size; some larger and some baby quilts. I LOVE “Sewing With Nancy – watch it all the time. I’ve been sewing for 45 years. It’s just the best hobby ever and having helpful and wonderful instructors like Nancy makes it even better!

  • Joan Long
    June 13, 2017

    I usually make baby quilts for gifts to grandchildren’s new babies! I also make placemats for wedding gifts.

  • Mary Grass
    June 13, 2017

    The size quilt I make most often is lap size or baby size.

    Thank you, Nancy, for the joy you bring to those of us interested in sewing and quilting. I have enjoyed your show for years and hope to for many more.

  • Susan Buchanan
    June 13, 2017

    I have made more table runners, baby quilts and wall hangings by default (mostly as gifts). I have made two twin quilts and plan on a queen soon for myself. I love Nancy’s style of teaching and welcome her inspirations. I’ve learned a lot from her over the years.

  • Kitty Slover
    June 13, 2017

    I make slightly oversized twin quilt most of the time. I have followed Nancy for years on TV and on line and learned so many techniques over the years for sewing and quilting, Thank you so much for the joy and knowledge you have brought to me!

  • Kitty Slover
    June 13, 2017

    I have learned so much over the years by watching Nancy on TV or on line. Thank you for all the knowledge and joy you have brought to me. I make slightly oversized twin quilts most of the time.

  • E. Watson
    June 13, 2017

    I haven’t made any quilts for people yet, but I would definitely start small. I have made a 12″ sized doll quilt though. I love the color scheme of the super sized dresden quilt!

  • Traci
    June 13, 2017

    I’ve got a few lap quilts started. Making a few of these giant block quilts would be great as I’m learning FMQ.

  • Julie Kaufmann
    June 13, 2017

    I have done quite a few crib and twin size. Inbetween looking for a job since I got layed off, I want to start an easy queen size quilt. This one would be perfect.

  • Julia Riley
    June 13, 2017

    I started with a twin size quilt for my granddaughter…made it with no instructions, NO idea what I was doing, but with much love! Them i discover you, Nancy, plus the wonders of YouTube, and graduated to baby blankets with lots of instructions from the experts. On to lap quilts, table runners, mug rugs….do I DARE attempt a queen size?

  • Mary Lee Buchanan
    June 13, 2017

    Thank you very much for doing the blog. I get many ideas and tips form here. I mostly make queen size or lap size quilts. Depending upon the amount of fabric in my stash. The stash is endless. Very fortunate!

  • Edna Marks
    June 13, 2017

    Just starting to quilt so starting small lap and twin size. Trying to get brave enough to do a full size.

  • April Martin
    June 13, 2017

    Right now baby size quilts-want to make a queen for my bed in purple!

  • Donna
    June 13, 2017

    I love the idea of a bigger block. Most of my quilts are queen or twin size.
    Your directions are great. I really appreciate your ideas.

  • Donna
    June 13, 2017

    I really appreciate your ideas for a super sized block. Most of my quilts are twin or Queen size.
    Your directions are awesome.

  • Debra
    June 14, 2017

    I’m only a beginner so I make lap size.

  • Doreen Linehan
    June 14, 2017

    I’ve only made one quilt so far and it was a super king size. I never liked afghans that were too short. I’m only about 5′ and when my feet or shoulders aren’t covered it bothers me. So when I make something I try to ensure that it is adequate.

  • Cyndy from The Funny Farm
    June 14, 2017

    I mostly have made lap size quilts and a few baby quilts. The largest size I’ve made to date was just a little smaller than a twin size. Eventually I’ll work my way up to something larger but for now, I’m still just a beginner quilter!

  • Joanne Tillery
    June 14, 2017

    After watching tutorials for several months I planed to make a twin size quilt, then my Grandson needed one for his new queen bed. So that was the first one, I am now working on a twin for a Granddaughter.

  • Caryl Anne Rosten
    June 15, 2017

    three years ago I enlarged a star to make a 27″ floor pillow cover for Amanda my granddaughter. It was so very easy to do instead of 10″ squares to start I used 15″ squares for the HST. She loves it for her TV and games the cousins play while visiting her.I am a lap size quilt maker mostly bc my hands don’t want to work long enough to quilt anything larger ( & heavier) I always have enjoyed watching your instructional TV shows. I started watching yu when your first shows aired in the PBS Houston market, at the time I was doing fashion sewing for my Mother, Mimi and my young daughter who wore a size petite 0 eekkkk! You have helped many a sewer to learn such things as resizing a pattern. TY

  • Christine M
    June 15, 2017

    Most of the quilts I make are lap size prayer quilts for the group Sew Blessed Quilts that I belong to.

  • Patricia Tharp
    June 17, 2017

    Most of the quilts I make are either full or queen. I have been wanting to do a make a dresden but just haven’t gotten the nerve yet.

  • Judy Jones
    June 18, 2017

    Love this Grand Dresden! Most of the quilts I make are double or queen size. I would love to make the Grand Dresden with the extra borders!

  • Michelle Hall
    June 18, 2017

    I am just starting in quilting so the quilts i have made were all lap/baby quilts

  • Mary S.
    July 2, 2017

    I used to help my Mother and Grandmother years ago when I was a girl, do quilting. It was time well spent with Mom and Granny. Wonderful memories.Quilting was always so relaxing for us. Mom was a big fan of your show, as I am, also. I now have all her books and fabric, and I have decide to get back into quilting. With the kids gone, I’ve turned 1 room into a sewing room. Looked up your show times, to see when you’re on. I find I still love watching you. I will be making Queen to King size quilts. So want to try this!!

  • Sandy Krzyskowski
    December 9, 2017

    I usually make lap size quilts. I try and make two every three months. My husband is 100% disable from Vietnam and needs to go to the VA Hispital every three months so we take the quilts then. They are not always Patriotic. I like to make different colors and I have to make the same quilt. I have watched Sewing with Nancy since day one. Love the show

  • Virginia Smith
    December 9, 2017

    AT this time I need 4 to 6 twin size quilts so for now that is what I am making. I really like to make smaller quilts to give as table pieces lap robes.

  • Diana
    December 9, 2017

    I make lap and twin size quilts, but have done a queen-sized one for my son. Love the Dresden plate design, but haven’t made a really large one on a quilt yet.

  • Debbie
    November 10, 2018

    Just finished two twin size quilt tops for granddaughters but before that usually baby size. I’m working up my confidence to tackling a queen size.

  • KAREN DRERUP
    November 10, 2018

    I make king size quilts because all my children have king size beds. The dresden plate is the very first quilt my mother ever made and we wore it out long ago. This is one of my favorites

  • Courtney Hall
    July 6, 2021

    I am looking for the Clover CL9514 Dresden Plate Template to do these quilts. However, it appears to no longer be made. Does anyone know a good alternative to get these LARGE plates? All I’m finding only goes up to maybe 16″.

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