Free Drunkard’s Path Quilt Pattern

You will need

• Rainbow fabrics: thirteen (13) 5in squares
• Background fabric: one (1) fat quarter
• Batting: 15in square
• Backing fabric: one (1) fat quarter
• Binding fabric: one (1) fat quarter
• Drunkard’s Path templates – download our PDF template.

Finished size

13¹⁄₂in square

Notes

Seam allowances are ¹⁄4in throughout, unless otherwise noted.

Cutting out

Step 1

From each of six (6) of your rainbow fabrics, cut one large Part B template.

Step 2

From each the remaining seven (7) of your rainbow fabrics, cut two (2) small Part B templates. Note, you will have a total of fourteen pieces, but only twelve will be used.

Step 3

From the background fabric cut six (6) large Part A templates and twelve (12) small Part A templates.

Step 4

From the binding fabric cut four (4) 2¹⁄2in x 22in strips.

Step 5

Follow the instructions below to stitch all the large and small blocks. You will have six (6) large blocks and twelve (12) small blocks. Trim the larger blocks to  5in square and the smaller blocks to  2³⁄4in square.

Step 6

Arrange the blocks as shown, referring to the photo. Sew the small blocks together in pairs. Then join the blocks together in three rows. Join the rows to complete the quilt top.

Step 7

Make a quilt sandwich using your backing, batting and completed quilt top. Baste in place and quilt as desired. We have quilted simple gridded lines.

Step 8

Trim away excess batting and backing, and square up the quilt. Sew your binding strips together end to end and use to bind the quilt.

How to sew a Drunkard's Path quilt block

Step 1

Using one set of templates, cut out one piece of fabric using Part A, and a contrasting piece of fabric using Part B. Fold each piece in half once and press to make a crease to mark the centre of each curve.

Step 2

With the Part B fabric right side up, lay the Part A piece on top, right side down. Match the centres and each end and pin in place. Ease the Part A fabric along the curve between the points and pin in place.

Step 3

Sew along the curved edge of the pinned pair, using a ¹⁄8in seam allowance. Go slowly, pivoting with the needle down to make a smooth curve. Press the seam to one side to complete one block.

Try this method in more detail

For more tips on how to sew Drunkard’s Path Quilt Blocks, head to our in-depth guide for how to perfect this classic quilt pattern from our sister magazine, Today’s Quilter, including top tips for curved piecing from the pros.