Friday Sampler Block #7 - Drunkard's Path

This week's accuquilt block is the traditional and very versatile Drunkard's Path.  It may look complicated because of the curved piecing, but is really an easy and fun block to do.

There are so many ways to put this block together.  Recently I picked up a book by Pepper Cory for Dover Publishing called 65 Drunkard's Path Quilt Designs which shows many variations.

If you don't have the accuquilt die, you can use a template to cut out this block.  Having worked with this block previous to owning the die, I can tell you that accuracy in cutting is very important to getting perfect results.  The die makes it easy.

I want to show you how big this die and resulting block are because, if you assume things and don't read carefully, you will be surprised at the size if you order it. 

Accuquilt is coming out with a smaller version of this block in September (which I have already pre-ordered).

This size makes up into a fast quilt.  Each piece is 7", and the finished  block (4 pieces) measures 14" square.

You will need a 17" wide strip of two contrasting fabrics to lay across the die.  For one 14" block just cut one layer of each fabric since the die has two cutters for each piece.

Layer one quarter circle right sides up and a contrasting concave piece on top as shown.

You will be sewing with the concave piece on top.  Only three pins are needed - one at each end, and one at the notch in the middle.  Start sewing at one end and gently ease in the top fabric to line up with the bottom quarter circle.  A stiletto makes this easier.  Once you have the hang of it, it really goes quite smoothly and quickly.

Press toward the darker fabric.  If you press toward the darker fabric throughout this sewing process, your seams will match up wonderfully.

With block laid out as shown in the prior picture, flip the right piece onto the left, insert one pin in the opposing seams, and stitch.  Do the same with the other two pieces, and then sew the two halves together.

You will have three seams (3 pins) to match in sewing the two halves together.

Look how nice and flat the block lays in this photo of the backside.  I like it when the back looks good.
And here is another picture of the front.  Nice block, don't you agree?  And fun to do too!

Happy Sewing ♥