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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.****

This is the Drunkards Path block


is the #8 block in the Sampler
Quilt.

12” total block size finished,


12 1/2” unfinished

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.

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© 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 convex
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).
concave
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).

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© 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.
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.

Page 3

© 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.
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”.

Page 4

© 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.

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