My progress on the Dad's Plaids quilt this week included getting what I thought were all the curved pieces cut. Somehow while laying it out, however, I came up short. (Ha-ha! The people who know me in real life are thinking that's a first. It's land of the giants up in here. This one can't count.) Besides making more strip strata to address said deficit, I also decided I needed a design wall. One that is perpendicular to the floor, that is. I have, up until now, laid all my quilts out on the living room floor. I did make myself a small portable flannel board (out of a foam-backed Marjolein Bastin print and a flannel sheet from Goodwill, if you're wondering), which I can prop up here or there in the sewing room and fit a couple of blocks on at a time, but it's pretty small. Not a wall, in any case. So I cleared a wall in the laundry room, which is around the corner from the sewing room. The lighting isn't great, but it'll have to do because it's basically the only option available. I bought a couple yards of flannel-backed tablecloth vinyl from Jo-Ann with a 50% off coupon ($6 total) and a package of push-pins. This is probably a temporary thing until I can do a proper job of covering a couple large pieces of insulation foam with batting and Velcro that system to the wall. Also, I should repaint the wall. As well as I procrastinate, you should look for that in, oh, 2016. Maybe. Here are some of the DP pieces laid out on the wall. With all the variety of color and light/dark stuff going on, I knew I'd have to play around before I sewed anything together. In general, though, I like where it's going! I have to modify a few pieces where there's a light or dark strip in a particular spot where there should be the opposite (see circled areas below, for example). I knew they were there when I cut the pieces out, but I wasn't thinking it'd be a big deal and would add interest. Turns out some are a little too interesting and my eye is drawn to those areas. So a little seam ripping and resewing is in order. No biggie. I have around 18 DP blocks sewn together so far. You know what? I love sewing curves!
Sewing with curves can be a little hard to imagine but not with these drunkards path quilt pattern. Check out these patterns now and create your own.
**This is a digital file that you will need to print, if you prefer a paper pattern, you can purchase one from our website https://www.onwilliamsstreet.com/.** Windswept is a modern quilt pattern using various sizes of drunkards path blocks to create large flowers flowing across the quilt. • Pattern shown is for a twin/full quilt, about 84 x 84" in size • Layouts for a throw quilt and a queen/king size bed quilt are included - see images for layouts of the other sizes (throw has 1 flower, queen/king contains 4 flowers) • Intermediate quilt pattern • Drunkards path block construction • PDF pattern for immediate download The pattern includes the paper templates needed to complete this quilt. If you prefer working with acrylic templates, you can purchase them on our website: www.onwilliamsstreet.com
Today I wanted to share with you a tutorial for an easier way to make a drunkard's path block. I love the drunkard's path pattern but always hate all the techniques to get to the final product. This tutorial allows you to make a machine stitched block much easier and faster then before. No more stabbing yourself with pins or dealing with curves and open bias edges. This super quick super fun process with have you making tons of drunkards in no time! This process is completed using Dale Fleming's 6 Minute Circle. You can view a video tutorial of Dale's technique here, but in case you missed anything I'll show you step by step how its done! *****Edit - 3/29/16***** It has come to my attention that this technique has a name! It is called Piec-lique and was developed by Sharon Schamber. Here is a link to her daughters rendition of the tutorial.When I originally made this post way back in February of 2013, I did a ton of searching and couldn't find anything on the topic. Thank you to Lani for commenting about the technique and bringing it to my attention. And as promised credit where credit is due! :) ******** This tutorial will make four 3.5" finished blocks. You will need: a background fabric a contrasting fabric fabric safe glue stick (I don't think mine is, but its all I had :) freezer paper scissors/rotary cutter/ruler Ok, here we go! Please ignore my poorly manicured hands! Step 1: Cut a piece of freezer paper into an 8.5" square. Then find the center and using a compass ,either bought or homemade, draw a 5" diameter circle. Then cut it out like this! Step 2: Cut your background fabric into an 8.5" square. Match up your background fabric and freezer paper template, wrong side of fabric to the waxy side of template. With a dry iron, iron your template to the fabric. Using your rotary cutter, cut out the inside of the circle leaving approximately a half inch allowance around template. Step 3: Carefully snip the fabric inside the circle so it looks like this. Be sure not to snip all the way to the edge of the circle. Leave about an 1/8 of an inch gap between snip and template. Step 4: Run a light bead of glue on the edge of the paper template and with your fingers and iron gently press snipped edge around the template being careful not to burn yourself. You may have to reapply a little glue as you go. Make sure you pull tightly enough to form the circle shape, but not so tight as to warp fabric. Press thoroughly. Step 5: Cut a piece of contrasting fabric large enough to cover the hole and have about a inch extra all the way around. Step 6: Next, run another bead of glue around the folded edge of the fabric. I like to start from the center out and do dabs rather then in a circular motion so the edges don't catch. Step 7: Position background fabric over the contrasting fabric and press in place. You'll want to press both sides to make sure you have a good hold. Then carefully remove freezer paper template and set aside to use again. Step 8: With zipper foot attached and needle as far left as possible begin stitching in the ditch all the way around circle. When you've finished, cut away excess fabric leaving a rough quarter of an inch seam. Step 9: Cut block in half both vertically and horizontally. Then square up blocks to 3.5". Voila!!! *Note: You can square up your block to 7" first then cut in half vertically and horizontally. Works both ways :) Step 10: Enjoy! P.S. This was my first time writing a tutorial so please feel free to comment or email if you have any questions!
What to consider when quilting a quilt. Some creative quilt design options for a modern drunkards path quilt. Banyan Batiks Jungle Rose. HeatnBond Lite Iron-on Adhesive. Gütermann Variegated cotton 50wt thread. Free Pattern.
The Mod Dreams Quilt Pattern is now available in the shop! I am so excited to share this first sample of my newest quilt pattern, Mod Dreams! Looking at it now, it feels like maybe I should've made this quilt a year ago in the summer of Barbie but alas, here we are haha Truth is, as a quilt pattern designer I don't get
Latest Drunkards Path quilt. Have named it ‘Flow’. I enjoy working out DP layouts to give different affects. 132cm square, with light quilting, so a nice soft lap quilt. The scrappy loo…
How to sew Drunkard's Path quilt blocks - a tutorial.
Dream big! Big Island Sky is the perfect gift to make for a baby, child, or nature lover. This pattern is a bright, modern twist on the traditional Drunkard’s Path block. Big Island Sky is a fully tested pattern that contains detailed instructions and diagrams, making it a breeze to piece. Instructions are included for four sizes—Baby, Throw, Twin, and Queen. Print and cut your own templates included with this purchase or use the Big Island Acrylic Template Set (sold separately here: https://shop.wholecirclestudio.com/product/big-island-sunset-acrylic-template-set). Using the acrylic template set will save time and increase accuracy. Use my color selection or customize the pattern to your taste. Don’t want to worry about fabric selections? Included in the pattern are fabric specifications for what was used in the cover samples. what you get A digital pattern (PDF download to computer). You will receive an email with a link to download the digital pattern in Adobe PDF format. It is strongly suggested you download the PDF to a computer for ease of saving and printing. pattern details Finished quilt measures approximately: – 45½″ x 45½″ (Baby) – 60½″ x 60½″ (Throw) – 72½″ x 88½″ (Twin) –88½″ x 88½″ (Queen) Included in this pattern: – Full-color photo and diagrams – Detailed fabric requirements – Detailed instructions that have been reviewed by a technical editor and have been fully tested – Cutting Layout Diagrams to help cut your fabric efficiently – Lots of tips and tricks want some extra help piecing curves? Register for the Get Comfortable with Curves LIVE online workshop: https://shop.wholecirclestudio.com/product/getting-comfortable-with-curves-live-online-workshop
Sewing with curves can be a little hard to imagine but not with these drunkards path quilt pattern. Check out these patterns now and create your own.
Learn how to make a traditional and classic Drunkards Path Quilt with our step-by-step directions and tips for success.
Lots of scraps from Kate Spain's Terrain collection makes this beautiful bright quilt. The strong pink & orange colors really stand out against Kona white and luckily I had enough dark blue from the same collection to add some balance. Every unit in the flower block and the small drunkards path pieces were trimmed to 4" x 4". The flower curves were made with the Quick Curved Ruler and the smaller drunkard's path were cut with an Accuquilt die. The Quick Curved Ruler was developed by the ladies at Sew Kind of Wonderful, and on their web site or YouTube you can find patterns and tutorials. The free pattern they have that is very similar to these 'flower' blocks is called Spring Fling. There are so many places to learn how to do this wonderful curved piecing - here were my sources: 1) the video on how to use your Quick Curve Mini Ruler from Jenny Pedigo (from Sew Kind of Wonderful) here 2) Canoe Ridge Creations 3) She Can Quilt Each flower block includes: (8) curved Quick Curved Ruler pieces beginning with a 5" square (like in the video tutorial above by Jenny) (8) squares cut at 4x4" Made for an artist friend who would't balk at something non-traditional, I used lots of color and made up my own the design. First came the 'flower' blocks and small circles using what fabric I had. The layout came last, more like a puzzle ... but sometimes a quilt can evolve from what you have, not from what a pattern tells you. For a large block with plenty of interest this 'flower' or 'butterfly' motif is perfect - and it's good for scraps as well. Materials: Terrain / Kate Spain / Moda Kona white Mini Quick Curved Ruler (from Sew Kind of Wonderful) Warm & White Batting Aurifil 50wt. #2740 (dark blue), #2040 (white) Dimple dot minky / Midnight Blue Accuquilt Drunkard's Path 4" finished *(I trimmed these small Drunkard's Path pieces to 4"x4" like everything else) Size: 60" x 73.5" Date: December 2017
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This is easy! Ironing the curved arcs to the drunkards path block with HeatnBond Lite Iron-on Adhesive and piecing the blocks and rows together to make a Modern Drunkards Path Quilt Top. Free Pattern Download. Banyan Batiks Jungle Rose Cool fabric.
One of my favorite techniques to teach is piecing curves. Curves are magical—they look complicated to do, but they’re really not. So many quilters are intimidated by curves but if you can sew a ¼” seam you can sew beautiful curves. Seriously. All you need are some tips, a bit of patience and practic
Sewing with curves can be a little hard to imagine but not with these drunkards path quilt pattern. Check out these patterns now and create your own.
Five motifs or four? Depends how you look at it. The blocks were left over from my previous quilt. Adding the borders made the size up to 40inches square which residential homes like for lap quilts…
I came home from work today and opened my Google Reader to see that a friend was having trouble sewing Drunkard's Path Cu...
Drunkard's Path is a traditional curved quilt block with many design possibilities! Learn Drunkard's Path Block Basics in this post from WeAllSew.
Today I wanted to share with you a tutorial for an easier way to make a drunkard's path block. I love the drunkard's path pattern but always hate all the techniques to get to the final product. This tutorial allows you to make a machine stitched block much easier and faster then before. No more stabbing yourself with pins or dealing with curves and open bias edges. This super quick super fun process with have you making tons of drunkards in no time! This process is completed using Dale Fleming's 6 Minute Circle. You can view a video tutorial of Dale's technique here, but in case you missed anything I'll show you step by step how its done! *****Edit - 3/29/16***** It has come to my attention that this technique has a name! It is called Piec-lique and was developed by Sharon Schamber. Here is a link to her daughters rendition of the tutorial.When I originally made this post way back in February of 2013, I did a ton of searching and couldn't find anything on the topic. Thank you to Lani for commenting about the technique and bringing it to my attention. And as promised credit where credit is due! :) ******** This tutorial will make four 3.5" finished blocks. You will need: a background fabric a contrasting fabric fabric safe glue stick (I don't think mine is, but its all I had :) freezer paper scissors/rotary cutter/ruler Ok, here we go! Please ignore my poorly manicured hands! Step 1: Cut a piece of freezer paper into an 8.5" square. Then find the center and using a compass ,either bought or homemade, draw a 5" diameter circle. Then cut it out like this! Step 2: Cut your background fabric into an 8.5" square. Match up your background fabric and freezer paper template, wrong side of fabric to the waxy side of template. With a dry iron, iron your template to the fabric. Using your rotary cutter, cut out the inside of the circle leaving approximately a half inch allowance around template. Step 3: Carefully snip the fabric inside the circle so it looks like this. Be sure not to snip all the way to the edge of the circle. Leave about an 1/8 of an inch gap between snip and template. Step 4: Run a light bead of glue on the edge of the paper template and with your fingers and iron gently press snipped edge around the template being careful not to burn yourself. You may have to reapply a little glue as you go. Make sure you pull tightly enough to form the circle shape, but not so tight as to warp fabric. Press thoroughly. Step 5: Cut a piece of contrasting fabric large enough to cover the hole and have about a inch extra all the way around. Step 6: Next, run another bead of glue around the folded edge of the fabric. I like to start from the center out and do dabs rather then in a circular motion so the edges don't catch. Step 7: Position background fabric over the contrasting fabric and press in place. You'll want to press both sides to make sure you have a good hold. Then carefully remove freezer paper template and set aside to use again. Step 8: With zipper foot attached and needle as far left as possible begin stitching in the ditch all the way around circle. When you've finished, cut away excess fabric leaving a rough quarter of an inch seam. Step 9: Cut block in half both vertically and horizontally. Then square up blocks to 3.5". Voila!!! *Note: You can square up your block to 7" first then cut in half vertically and horizontally. Works both ways :) Step 10: Enjoy! P.S. This was my first time writing a tutorial so please feel free to comment or email if you have any questions!
Step-by-Step tutorial for how to make a Drunkards Path template of any size for hand and machine pieced quilting projects.
While it's not the usual order to start a quilt-along with the block tutorial before the fabric requirements and other design info, since Kristie and I are each using a different block construction approach, we thought it made sense to show you the choices before you committed to one way or the other by buying fabric. I also know that some folks are intimidated by sewing curves so I wanted to be sure that you had a chance to try it out and see that it isn't that hard! Kristie is using the Go! Baby cutter to cut her drunkard's path pieces, and I am using templates that I designed. The technique with my templates is actually pretty similar to how I made my wonky drunkard's path blocks - you don't have to worry as much about cutting and sewing the pieces perfectly exactly, and then you trim them to the correct size. If you'd like to use another approach such as more precise templates, wonky blocks, or anything else, you are free to go for that too! I am also psyched that the templates I made use 5" squares - that's right, this means you can easily use charm squares and avoid a whole bunch of fabric cutting if you want! Maybe you have some charms you have been looking to put to use? You can also cut your own 5" squares for some or all of the blocks, of course. Download the template HERE - I suggest saving it to your computer, then when you print be sure to set page scaling to none. There is a 1" box on there for you to check the scale - make sure it measures 1" and you are good to go. I'll go into this more in a later post, but if you are making a design where you will have equal numbers of the inner and outer curve pieces from each pattern, you will only need to use the inner curve template piece - just ignore the outer curve template piece. (This is what I did for my central park drunkard's path). Here's how to make the blocks: Start with 2 contrasting 5" fabric squares. Put the inner curve template piece down on the squares, with the corners aligned. Cut around the curve of the template. Note: when I made my quilt, I cut the first using the template and then used one of the cut out inner curve fabric pieces as the guide to cut the rest. You can also mark with a fabric pen and cut along the line, or you can use a rotary cutter (and possibly use template plastic to make the template more durable). I found that I could cut 4-5 pieces of fabric at once and so it went pretty quickly! After you have cut the inner curve piece, trim the 3/8" off the ends of the outer curve pieces as shown above (I usually just eyeballed it and used my scissors, but you could measure and/or use a rotary cutter if you prefer). Put the inner curve piece facing up with the corner facing to the upper left, and then place the outer curve piece facing down on top, with the corner facing to the lower left, as shown above. Align pieces so that your needle is 1/4" in from the curved edge. You can basically sew straight for the first 1/4"-1/2", until the pieces start to curve away from each other. After the first bit, you will need to pull the top (outer curve) piece to the left so that it stays lined up on top of the lower (inner curve) piece as you sew around the edge. I just pull the top piece into place gently, and don't pull the bottom piece at all - the goal is the keep the edges lined up and avoid any puckers in your seam, without stretching the fabric too much. Continue sewing with a 1/4" seam, adjusting as you go - it doesn't take too long once you get into the hang of it. As you get towards the end, continue to pull the pieces into place so the edges are aligned - you should basically be able to sew straight for the last little bit too. This is what it should look like after you sew the seam. Press the seam flat in whichever direction you feel like. If you wanted to you could clip the curve inside the seam allowance before you press but I didn't have any problems getting it to lay flat without clipping and it seems like it will be more durable if you don't clip it. Now, to trim the block, place the block with the inner curve facing to the lower left corner as shown above. Take a square ruler and line up the 1" lines with the edges of the curve on both the left and lower sides (red arrows above), then trim off the edges. The final trimmed size of the block will be 4.25" so you may want to check that the block isn't going to be too small by making sure the fabric goes past the 4.25" lines (green arrows above); you may have to rotate the ruler slightly to get it to fit. (note: I slightly modified the template after I took these photos - so you will have more to trim in this step and less to trim below, ie, the amount you trim in each step will be about equal). After you trim the first two sides, flip the block around so that the inner curve faces towards the upper right corner, and line up the just-trimmed edges with the 4.25" lines (green arrows), then trim the other two edges. And then check it out - since you lined up the circles with the 1" line when you trimmed, your blocks line up perfectly!! And I promise, the trimming part gets quick as you do it, too. Let me know how your blocks turn out if you try this, or if you have any questions! DONATE TO SUPPORT THIS TUTORIAL - this tutorial is provided free of charge, if you would like to show your appreciation and support the free patterns I provide here, you can donate here (or it helps if you click through to any of the amazon links on this site, whether you purchase that particular product or not!). Thanks for your support! {This post is part of the Drunkard's Path Quilt-Along that I am hosting with Kristie from OCD. Check out my Drunkard's Path QAL page for the schedule and links to the posts so far, and feel free to join in any time!}
Sewing with curves can be a little hard to imagine but not with these drunkards path quilt pattern. Check out these patterns now and create your own.
The Drunkard's path is a quilt square with a ton of history. Some people say that it was used as a form of communication between slaves o...
Cascade Bloom Quilt Pattern is now available for purchase! Designing this quilt was an absolute joy, with its retro cascading striped curves and bold design. I had so much fun bringing this pattern to life and I can't wait to see how you put your own spin on it. Cascade Bloom is a perfect blend of modern quilting and traditional feels, and I'm excited to watch it bloom in your creative hands. Want to join the Cascade Bloom Sew Along? Scroll to the bottom to get more info! This pattern is a fantastic skill-builder, rated 3.5/5 stars for its matching points, precise 1/4
This is easy! Ironing the curved arcs to the drunkards path block with HeatnBond Lite Iron-on Adhesive and piecing the blocks and rows together to make a Modern Drunkards Path Quilt Top. Free Pattern Download. Banyan Batiks Jungle Rose Cool fabric.
This is a one-to-one course of two sessions via Zoom. Do you want to learn how to sew no-pin curves and learn how to use this skill in an exciting new way? In these two sessions we use my Drunkard’s Path Templates (Oval and Circular) to get our heads around the twice-cut (or sometimes thrice-cut) Drunkard’s Path block and the fun and unlimited ways of using this technique. We will sew blocks from the Holepunch Ribbon Quilt but also look at how you can design your own twice-cut Drunkard’s Path block. The quilt in the photo is by @lunaloo236. The session is suitable for newbie quilters and extreme quilters alike. After you’ve paid for your workshop I will email you to discuss what time and date will suit you for your first session together with the information you need to get started. *I will send you the templates as a pdf to print out in case you do not have the acrylic templates. If you, at any point, decide you want to order the templates, booking this workshop gives you 10% discount on the Complete Drunkard’s Path Set and the Complete Oval Drunkard’s Path Set as well as all quilt patterns in […]
