Dresden vs Chrysanthemum EPP Templates: Which Petal Shape to Choose
By Paper Pieces for English Paper Piecing | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Buying Guides
Compare curved bottom Dresden pieces with a 16 petal chrysanthemum template for English paper piecing. See how petal count, scale, and seam allowance affect your quilt.
Quick answer
Choose curved bottom Dresden pieces when you want a classic fan or plate with a smooth inner curve and manageable 2-1/8-inch petals. Choose a 16 petal chrysanthemum template when you need a larger, symmetrical floral focal point with more petals and a 7-1/2-inch finished diameter.
Petal count and scale change the piecing rhythm
The 8 Petal Curved Bottom Dresden uses eight petals at 2-1/8 inches each, so a single round comes together with fewer, broader shapes. That makes it easier to chain-piece identical units and to press seams open without crowding.
The 16 Petal Chrysanthemum With Circles uses sixteen petals at 7-1/2 inches, which means more repetition per block but a larger, more detailed flower. If you dislike repeating the same step many times, the Dresden will feel faster; if you want a showy centerpiece, the chrysanthemum rewards the extra effort.
Seam allowance options affect accuracy and fabric use
Both shapes offer multiple seam allowance configurations, including no seam, 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and windowed versions. The right choice depends on your piecing method: a 1/4-inch seam is standard for hand piecing, while a 3/8-inch seam gives more fabric to fold over for appliqué or English paper piecing. Windowed options let you center fabric motifs or reduce bulk.
If you are new to English paper piecing, start with a 1/4-inch seam allowance on either shape. The smaller Dresden petals use less fabric per piece, so mistakes cost less. The larger chrysanthemum petals are more forgiving to baste but use more fabric per petal, so test your seam allowance on a single petal before cutting all sixteen.
Pack sizes and project planning
The Dresden listing offers multiple pack sizes, and the chrysanthemum comes in small (1 plate), large (6 plates), and bulk (12 plates) packs. A plate is one complete flower shape. For a wall hanging or pillow, one plate is often enough; for a bed quilt, calculate how many complete flowers you need and buy the pack that covers it without excessive leftovers.
Because the chrysanthemum is larger, fewer plates are needed to fill a given area, but each plate requires more petals. The Dresden, being smaller, may need more plates for the same coverage, but each plate is quicker to piece. Match the pack size to your intended project scale rather than buying the largest pack by default.
Decision rules for choosing your petal shape
- If you want a fast, classic Dresden plate: Choose the 2-1/8-inch 8 Petal Curved Bottom Dresden. Eight petals per round means fewer pieces to baste and stitch, and the curved bottom gives a traditional fan look.
- If you need a large floral centerpiece: Choose the 7-1/2-inch 16 Petal Chrysanthemum With Circles. The larger diameter and sixteen petals create a detailed flower that works well as a single statement block or medallion center.
- If you are unsure about seam allowance: Start with a 1/4-inch seam allowance on either shape. It is the most common for hand piecing and leaves enough fabric to fold without excess bulk. Order a small pack first to test your technique. Test one petal before cutting fabric for the whole project.
- If you are planning a full-size quilt: Calculate the number of complete plates you need. For the chrysanthemum, one plate equals one flower; the large pack has 6 plates and the bulk pack has 12. For the Dresden, check the pack size options to match your block count. Buy the pack size that matches your plate count, not the largest available.
Product facts
- 2-1/8" 8 Petal Curved Bottom Dresdens: 2-1/8-inch 8 Petal Curved Bottom Dresdens with multiple seam allowance and pack size options. The smaller petal size and fewer petals make this a good choice for faster, repeatable blocks and for using up smaller fabric scraps.
2-1/8" 8 Petal Curved Bottom Dresdens - 7-1/2" 16 Petal Chrysanthemums With Circles: 7-1/2-inch 16 Petal Chrysanthemums With Circles, available in small (1 plate), large (6 plates), and bulk (12 plates) packs with several seam options. The larger finished size and higher petal count create a dramatic focal flower, while the pack sizes let you scale from a single test block to a full quilt.
7-1/2" 16 Petal Chrysanthemums With Circles
Who should choose which
Best for
- Quilters who want a traditional Dresden plate with fewer, larger petals
- Scrap-friendly projects using small fabric pieces
- Beginners practicing curved piecing with a manageable petal count
Not for
- Quilters who need a large, high-petal-count floral focal point
- Projects where a 2-1/8-inch petal is too small for the desired scale
- Those who prefer a single-piece flower shape without a separate circle
