Thursday, September 6, 2012

Drunkard's Path Tutorial















So, if you are a member of the quilt police, you might want to disregard this tutorial as I am sure that it is probably far too lazy to be counted as being a "correct" way of sewing curves...  I have mentioned a few times that I've developed a way in which to sew the drunkard's path block quickly and easily and I thought I would share the technique with you in this mini photo tutorial.  I have not tried sewing with a curve master sewing foot and I do not like using pins unless I absolutely must, so trimming works best for me.  It's fast and forgiving and you can iron and distort to your heart's content before trimming.  I like my blocks flat!  Let me know if this method works for you...

I should also mention that you can use any template size, just square up/trim with a ruler (or use the lines on a large square ruler) 1/2 an inch smaller than the template.  My photo shows a 7 inch template set, which is of course 7.5 inches before trimming.  My block trimmed would then be a 6.5 inch block finished.

In case you are wondering, the top photo is a glimpse of what I am currently working on using Anna Maria Horner's new line called Field Study...

12 comments:

Lorena said...

Nice one Jeannette!
I have used a Curve Master foot and pins before. I think your way looks great.

DianeY said...

Genius! Makes so much sense to get the middle right. I hate pins, too. But, if I may ask, what size block did you trim it down to? Is it a 6.5" or a 7?

CapitolaQuilter said...

Love it in Field Study. Center out - will give that a try.

Tamie said...

Very cool. I'm not big on the quilt police myself- just saying.

fiberchick said...

What a clever way to make clamshells! You and I are buying the same fabric these days ;)

Melissa said...

Great idea!! I don't foresee myself plunging into the Drunkard's Path any time soon, but knowing how to piece curves quickly is ALWAYS handy! :) Thanks! It looks fabulous, by the way. :)

Frances Moore said...

Great job. I love this pattern and using templates.

Frances Moore said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kara said...

That's my favorite way to sew curves! I bought the curve master so I could do my Single Girl, but ended up using the way you've just described. Much easier!

Hayley said...

I just bought a Curvemaster to sew the Drunkards path pieces, and ended up not using it. I just use my 1/4 " foot, the trick is to lift the top piece as you sew. http://compulsivequilts.blogspot.com.au/

TakeMeThereTotes said...

This is a fantastic tutorial. I love your clamshell design. I felt liberated from the stress of matching and making those two ends work out correctly. I linked your tutorial on my blog today. Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial.

kerrie said...

I love the look thanks for sharing I can't wait to try this.

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