How to Use 8 Inch 12 Petal Dresden Templates in Quilts
By Paper Pieces for English Paper Piecing | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use 8 inch 12 petal Dresden templates for English paper piecing. Step-by-step guide covers basting, assembly, and finishing a Dresden quilt block.
Quick answer
To use 8 inch 12 petal Dresden templates, baste fabric around each paper petal, arrange the 12 petals in a circle, then stitch them together at the narrow ends before removing the papers and appliquéing the finished plate to your background fabric.
Why the 8 inch size works well for EPP Dresden plates
An 8 inch finished Dresden plate is large enough to show off fussy-cut petals but small enough to handle comfortably in your lap. The 12-petal design gives a classic, balanced look without becoming overly busy, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced paper piecers.
Because the templates are made of paper, they hold their shape through repeated basting and stitching. You can reuse them several times if you handle them gently, but expect some wear over time. If you plan to make many blocks, consider the larger pack sizes to avoid running out mid-project.
Choosing seam allowance and pack size
Paper Pieces offers the 8 inch 12 Petal Dresdens in three seam options: No Seam, 1/4 inch, and 3/8 inch. The No Seam option is for experienced EPPers who prefer to add their own seam allowance when cutting fabric. The 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch options have the seam allowance printed on the paper, so you can cut fabric directly without measuring.
Pack sizes range from Small (2 plates) to Large (12 plates) to Bulk (24 plates). A Small Pack is ideal for trying the design or making a single block, while larger packs suit quilters planning multiple blocks or a full quilt. Windowed options in 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch are also available if you like to center motifs.
Step-by-step Dresden plate assembly
- Prepare your templates and fabric: Decide on your seam allowance option. If using a template with seam allowance, cut fabric pieces using the paper as a guide, adding a generous margin. If using No Seam, add your own seam allowance (typically 1/4 inch) when cutting. Common mistake: cutting fabric too small, which makes basting difficult and can cause fraying. Always test one petal first to confirm your cutting margin works for your fabric.
- Baste fabric around each paper petal: Center a paper petal on the wrong side of your fabric. Fold the fabric over one edge and stitch through the paper and fabric using a basting stitch. Continue around all edges, turning corners neatly. Checkpoint: make sure the paper is fully covered and the fabric lies flat without puckers. Use a contrasting thread color so basting stitches are easy to remove later.
- Arrange the 12 petals in a circle: Lay out all 12 basted petals on a flat surface, points facing outward, to form a complete circle. Adjust the order until you are happy with the color placement. Common mistake: skipping this step and discovering awkward color clashes after stitching. Take a photo of your layout to refer to during assembly.
- Stitch petals together at the narrow ends: With right sides together, whipstitch the narrow end of one petal to the next, catching only the fabric folds (not the paper). Work your way around the circle until all petals are joined. Checkpoint: keep stitches small and even to avoid gaps when the plate is turned. Do not stitch through the paper; you need to remove it later.
- Remove papers and press: Once all petals are joined, carefully remove the basting threads and slide out the paper templates. Press the Dresden plate flat, using a pressing cloth if needed. Common mistake: pressing too aggressively and distorting the shape. Keep the papers for reuse if they are still in good condition.
- Appliqué the plate to your background: Center the Dresden plate on your background fabric. Pin or baste in place, then appliqué the outer edges using your preferred method (needle-turn or fusible). Checkpoint: ensure the plate lies flat and the center is covered with a circle of fabric or a decorative button. Stitch the center circle last to hide any raw edges.
Product facts
- 8" 12 Petal Dresdens: 8" 12 Petal Dresdens are paper templates for English paper piecing, available in Small (2 plates), Large (12 plates), and Bulk (24 plates) packs. Choose the pack size that matches your project scale so you have enough templates without excess waste.
8" 12 Petal Dresdens - 8" 12 Petal Dresdens: Seam options include No Seam, 1/4" Seam, and 3/8" Seam, with windowed options available in 1/4" and 3/8". Select the seam option that matches your preferred cutting method and whether you want a window for fussy cutting.
