Drunkards Path

The Drunkards Path

This block is a version of the basic four patch block because of the

number of grid spaces in it’s design.

****Always add a 1/4 inch seam allowance to each pattern piece be-

fore cutting.****

12” total block size finished,

12 1/2” unfinished

This is the Drunkards Path block

is the #8 block in the Sampler

Quilt.

The drunkards path block is made of curved pieces. It is constructed by matching

the concave and convex curves at center and points around the curve exactly.

The block can also be created using appliqué to stitch the concave curve to a solid

square of fabric, and then trimming away the excess. Both procedures will be

taught in this lesson.

The alternating of dark and light fabrics causes this block to appear to differ in

construction for each quarter of a block. However, that is not true...only an

optical allusion.

© This information is expressly for use by students attending a class taught by Kathy Shaw in the conduct of Group educational purposes. Any

other use is prohibited without specific written permission by Shawkl Design Studios.

Drunkards Path Block

FINISHED SIZES:

4 inch squares

CUT SIZES:

4 1/2 inch squares

Templates

Steps:

1. Draw a 6” square on paper. Mark a point

on the right side that is 4 1/8” from the

bottom right hand corner. Mark a second

point on the left side that is 4 1/8” from

the bottom right hand corner. Place a

compass point in the bottom right hand

corner, and draw an ark connecting the

two points you just marked. This creates

a 6” finished square pattern with a

convex and concave curve.

2. Using this pattern , trace the convex pattern piece onto a piece of paper. Add

a 1/4” seam allowance to all sides.

3. Using this pattern, trace the concave pattern piece onto

a piece of paper. Add a 1/4” seam allowance to all sides.

4. Using the pattern pieces with the seam allowances, cut

two concave shapes from fabrics (A) and (B).

5. Cut two convex shapes from fabrics (A) and one conves

shape from fabric (B).

6. Cut one 6 1/2” square from fabric (B).



convex

concave

ASSEMBLY METHOD ONE: You will use this method to create three of the 6 inch

finished blocks.

6. Mark the center of each curved edge.

7.Carefully snip each of the concave pieces about 1/8” every inch along the edge.

DO NOT clip too deeply!

8. Pin the concave and convex pieces together.

Place the concave piece on top. Pin the center

point, the to sides and then in between as you

ease the two pieces together.



9. Press lightly the 3 squares just

created.



ASSEMBLY METHOD ONE: You will use this method to create one of the 6 inch

finished blocks.

10. Trace a concave pattern piece onto paper. Add the 1/4 inch seam allowance on

the flat sides, but not along the curve side. Using this template, place it on the

reverse side of the fabric concave shape remaining. Match the straight edges.

You should have 1/4” of fabric along the curved edge extending beyond the paper

edge. Turn this fabric edge over the paper and press along the curve with your

finger. Now, press with the iron.

11. Place this fabric concave shape on top of the 6 1/2” square from fabric (B).

Match the straight edges sides and the corner. Pin in place. Hand or machine

appliqué the curved edge to the square.

12. Lay the patch units on the cutting mat in the design of the block. Sew the

units together to form two rows. Sew the rows together to form the finished

block.

13. The block should measure 12 1/2”.

Drunkards Path

Documents

Transcript of Drunkards Path