Drunkard's Path Quilt Block

Creating the curved seams required for the Drunkard’s Path quilt block can appear intimidating at first. Ashley Hough will guide you through the various tools and techniques that will encourage you to practice and master this fun patchwork design.

You will be introduced to the shapes that make up the Drunkard’s Path block featuring a small inner curved shape and a larger outer piece. Ashley will describe the various methods for cutting out these shapes whether by paper template, template plastic or the purchasing of acrylic Drunkard’s Path templates. She also advises you on the proper selection of the correct size rotary cutter and demonstrates why this is critical for accurate cutting of the Drunkard’s Path block.

In this video you will gain valuable information on the process of curved piecing in the Drunkard’s Path block. The best place for beginners to start is with the larger Drunkard’s Path block. The long, less tightly curved shapes are an easier place to learn this skill. A more gentle curve allows you to gain confidence while piecing and is easier to manipulate under the presser foot. Ashley provides a great folding and creasing method that quickly nests and aligns the centers of the two shapes in the Drunkard’s Path block. This ensures the pieces are centered properly. Then she describes and demonstrates the pinning and alignment of the outer edges and all the curved edges. An accurate ¼” seam joins the shapes. Ashley also reminds you of the correct pressing steps and discusses the options for a variety of sizes of irons that may make pressing more enjoyable on small curved pieces.

There are alternative patchwork methods for creating the illusion of curved piecing. The no-piece Drunkard’s Path block is another option that uses three fabrics and makes curves similar to the traditional Drunkard’s Path block. Try your hand at both and find a new world of patchwork possibilities.