Instructions for Stitching Together a Dresden Express Block From June Tailor
If you have a June Tailor Dresden Express ruler, you can quickly cut fabric blades to create a quilt block or place mats. Each block will have three Dresden blades on it. Arrange four blocks together to form a Dresden plate, a traditional quilt design. You can also arrange the blocks in your own design. Choose the length of the blades based on how large of a block you want to make. The Dresden Express can cut blades between 4 and 7 inches in length.
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Things You'll Need
- 3 strips of quilting fabric, 4 inches wide by 7 inches long, contrasting colors and patterns
- Cutting mat
- Dresden Express 16
- Rotary cutter
- Scissors
- Iron
- Straight pins
- 8.5-inch square solid color quilting cotton
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine
Instructions
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1
Stack the three fabric strips on top of each other. Make sure they are aligned on all four sides. Place the strips on the cutting mat.
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2
Place the Dresden Express 16 on top of the strips, lining up the bottom of the Express with the bottom of the strips.
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3
Cut the fabric with the rotary cutter along the two center slots of the Dresden Express. You should now have three equally sized blades of fabric.
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4
Cut the fabric using the rounded top of the Dresden Express to give the blades a rounded edge. If you want the blades to come to a point, fold each blade in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing in. Stitch the top of the blade together. Turn the fabric right-side out and flatten the top so that it forms a point.
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5
Place one outside blade on top of the blade you want to be in the center, with the right sides facing in. Sew the blades together down one long side using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Unfold and press the seam open.
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6
Place the other outside blade on the other side of the middle blade, with the right sides facing each other. Sew together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, then turn right side out and press the seam.
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7
Turn the bottom, narrow side of the blades under 1/4 inch, then press it. Turn the two outside long edges of the blades under 1/4 inch, then press.
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8
Place the three blades on the solid cotton square and arrange them as you wish. Pin the blades in place and stitch to the square, sewing along the edges of the blades.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
