The Drunkard’s Path is traditionally made using the curved piecing method – joining two opposite curved shapes, convex and concave, together. Sometimes, however, the very mention of curved piecing can send quilters in every direction except the sewing machine. That’s a shame, because this block is so versatile.
Using the 16 squares (see diagrams below) to make up this block, there are at least five more combinations I know of off-hand that will create a completely different look. With the approach I am using here, however, there is no curved piecing, just cut circles applied to a background fabric, which are then recut. So don’t be deterred from experimenting with this fabulous block.
Note: Finished size of quilt is 74” by 96”.
Drunkards Path Quilt Block (fig 1)
• Finished block size in quilt is 12” by 12”.• Total number of blocks required – five.• ¼” seam allowances used throughout.• For clarity, I am making a blue Drunkard’s Path contrasting with white.Two squares of white fabric each measuring 7” by 7” (background fabric)
Two squares of blue fabric each measuring 7” by 7” (background fabric)
Two squares of white fabric each measuring 5” by 5” (circle fabric)
Two squares of blue fabric each measuring 5” by 5” (circle fabric)
Four squares of double-sided fusible web 5” by 5”
Compass
General sewing supplies
1 Using your compass, draw a 4½” diameter circle onto paper side of each piece of fusible web. Cut out roughly, leaving ¼” all around the edge.
2 Iron these onto the wrong side of your circle fabrics.
3 Cut out on the line and remove the paper backing. You now have two white circles and two blue circles.
4 Fold each fabric circle into quarters and finger-press. Fold each fabric square into quarters and finger-press.
5 Using the creased lines to match centre circle to centre square, fuse each circle onto contrasting background fabric. Using the zigzag stitch on your sewing machine (or blanket stitch) sew around edge of each circle. You now have two white circles on a blue background and two blue circles on a white background (figure 1), four units in total.
6 Cut each unit into four equal size squares measuring 3½” by 3½” (figure 2). You now have 16 small squares.
7 Referring to block layout diagram and noting orientation, arrange each square in correct order to form the pattern.
8 Sew the squares together in four horizontal rows of four squares each. Press seams in opposing directions. Stitch the rows together to complete the 12½” by 12½” block (including seam allowances.)
9 Repeat steps one to eight to make five blocks.
10 Press each block with spray starch and leave aside for assembly later.
NEXT WEEK: Add personality to your quilt with appliqué. CL
The Drunkard’s Path is traditionally made using the curved piecing method – joining two opposite curved shapes, convex and concave, together. Sometimes, however, the very mention of curved piecing can send quilters in every direction except the sewing machine. That’s a shame, because this block is so versatile.
Using the 16 squares (see diagrams below) to make up this block, there are at least five more combinations I know of off-hand that will create a completely different look. With the approach I am using here, however, there is no curved piecing, just cut circles applied to a background fabric, which are then recut. So don’t be deterred from experimenting with this fabulous block.
Note: Finished size of quilt is 74” by 96”.
Drunkards Path Quilt Block (fig 1)
• Finished block size in quilt is 12” by 12”.• Total number of blocks required – five.• ¼” seam allowances used throughout.• For clarity, I am making a blue Drunkard’s Path contrasting with white.Two squares of white fabric each measuring 7” by 7” (background fabric)
Two squares of blue fabric each measuring 7” by 7” (background fabric)
Two squares of white fabric each measuring 5” by 5” (circle fabric)
Two squares of blue fabric each measuring 5” by 5” (circle fabric)
Four squares of double-sided fusible web 5” by 5”
Compass
General sewing supplies
1 Using your compass, draw a 4½” diameter circle onto paper side of each piece of fusible web. Cut out roughly, leaving ¼” all around the edge.
2 Iron these onto the wrong side of your circle fabrics.
3 Cut out on the line and remove the paper backing. You now have two white circles and two blue circles.
4 Fold each fabric circle into quarters and finger-press. Fold each fabric square into quarters and finger-press.
5 Using the creased lines to match centre circle to centre square, fuse each circle onto contrasting background fabric. Using the zigzag stitch on your sewing machine (or blanket stitch) sew around edge of each circle. You now have two white circles on a blue background and two blue circles on a white background (figure 1), four units in total.
6 Cut each unit into four equal size squares measuring 3½” by 3½” (figure 2). You now have 16 small squares.
7 Referring to block layout diagram and noting orientation, arrange each square in correct order to form the pattern.
8 Sew the squares together in four horizontal rows of four squares each. Press seams in opposing directions. Stitch the rows together to complete the 12½” by 12½” block (including seam allowances.)
9 Repeat steps one to eight to make five blocks.
10 Press each block with spray starch and leave aside for assembly later.
NEXT WEEK: Add personality to your quilt with appliqué. CL
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