Easy Drunkard's Path Block Method

An Easy Method to an Accurate Drunkard's Path Block

1 Drunkard's Path Block

Let's start by setting the record straight. The single block above is called Drunkard's Path. Several of these blocks can be assembled into a larger block then called by another name, or to be more confusing, Drunkard's Path.

From left to right starting at the top:

Row 1: Dots, Drunkard's Path, Drunkard's Path Variation, Drunkard's Pinwheel

Row 2: Baseball, Steeplechase, Millwheel, Peace Dove

Row 3: Cleopatra's Puzzle, Around the World, Dove, Over the Bridge

Row 4: Indiana Puzzle, Falling Timbers, Fool's Puzzle, Around the World (not an error, but a second with the same name)

Also, the Turtle, requiring additional piecing...

...and my favorite, I Wish You Well.

I've done curved piecing in the past, and it's doable in larger pieces. These individual pieces would finish at 2.5", and I just couldn't do it. I had to come up with a method that worked for me, was accurate, and didn't involve inset piecing. 

The measurements given are for a 10" finished block made up of 16 pieces of 2.5" finished squares. 

*Each 6.5" square will produce 4 curved pieces. You will need 16 total curved pieces for this 10" block.

Start with a 6.5" square background piece (measurement has 0.5" added to allow trimming for accuracy), and a 4.5" square meant for the 4" circle. Use a small amount of ModPodge for fabric on the outer edges (1/4"-3/8") of the wrong side of the black fabric, and let it dry. The ModPodge will keep the cut fabric from fraying. You could also use a fusible applique product as well. 

Then I used a circle cutter from Creative Grids to cut out the circle. You could use an Accuquilt Cutter, a compass to draw a circle then hand cut, or any other method or ruler to get the desired size. 

Next fold and crease both the background square and the circle in both directions to find registration marks, and pin the circle to the middle of the square.

Use a button hole stitch on your sewing machine to stitch around the circle. Use matching thread to the circle color.

Cut into quarters.

I used matching thread for each color as there were both black and yellow circles.

Carefully cut away the background fabric from behind. Using a curved pair of scissors makes this easy.

Accurately trim each piece to 2.5" on the OUTER CORNER ONLY. The circle portion is already accurate.

Assemble your block.

My blocks were used in this table top version.

There are so many ways to use this block. The blog, Quiltdom, has a great post on variations using the Drunkard's Path block. Check it out at 15 Deliriously Beautiful Drunkards Path Quilt Variations.

Come on, Doxie girls.

Let's go sew.