Hidden Threads

The drunkard’s path block presents some challenges for quilters who haven’t done much curved piecing.

A two piece block with one gentle curve, it’s a great place to begin your curved piecing adventure. It is a lot easier than a 16 piece star block, and you can literally stitch a drunkard’s path quilt together in an afternoon. Want an easy, graphic, and eye-popping quilt? The drunkard’s path has some unusual layouts that can look artful when used as wall hangings, or make impressive center medallions - you choose.

Check out my drunkard’s path page for some templates and a few layouts that will change your mind about trying this fun and interesting block: The Drunkard’s Path

Tips on Making the Drunkard’s Path Block

Be careful cutting your template pieces. Use a marker with a narrow tip. If you are using a rotary cutter, mind the curves. The more precise your cut pieces are, the easier it will be to sew them together.

You will be working with bias, so handle the fabric carefully to avoid distortion. If you are having problems, starching the pieces can help.

Curves are easy if you take them a little at a time. Pin your pieces at the ends and in the middle of the seam. The middle mark will help make sure you are staying on track.

Place the piece that bows out on top, and the concave piece on the bottom. When you start to stitch, don’t pay attention to all the bunched up fabric. Curves can be tricky because they look more complicated than they are.

Just pay attention to lining up the edges of the fabric at the presser foot. Stay focused on that small segment. Everything else will fall in line. Take three or four stitches and then adjust the fabric. Paying attention to a three-or-four stitch length BEFORE the needle and making sure you have a 1/4-inch seam will keep you on track. Making regular starts and stops will allow you to readjust the edges of the fabric.

If you are having trouble lining up the fabric, dry loosening your presser foot tension. It will also help to use a stiletto.

If you take your time and go slowly, you will start to position the fabric into the necessary curve. It will come naturally so don’t worry too much about it.

The trickiest part of the process is at the end of the seam. Watch to make sure that the fabric doesn’t shift out of alignment at the very end. Leave the last pin in until the presser foot grips the fabric.

When you inspect the finished curved seam, sometimes it will look pleated or puckered when it’s not. Ironing will often take care of the problem.

If you think you might like to try this block and need a template and some layout suggestions, visit my Drunkard’s Path Page. I really love this quilt block and would welcome any comments you might have about it.

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