Watch Out Curves Ahead
Generally when sewing curves for a Drunkard’s Path block assembly there are multiple pins involved as you carefully pin all the fullness of the bias curve of the “pie” shape to fit the “L” shape of the units. I’m going to show you an easier way without all those pins!
It Only Takes Three
In my experience, it only takes three locations to secure the units together before sewing – the top, the middle, and the bottom.
What makes this assembly different is placing the L-shaped unit on top of the pie shape. Most instructions have you do the opposite.
The key is to mark the centers of each shape and use a pin or wonder clip to hold into place. Then line up the bottom edge where the two units meet, making sure that the straight sides stay straight.
Begin stitching at the top using a stiletto to keep the fullness dispersed and matching the edges as you gently and slowly sew a quarter inch seam.
Most importantly make sure that the bottom edges meet, preferably making a straight edge connection.
Press with the direction of the pie shape laying naturally towards the L shape.
Small Improvement Makes a Big Difference
I found that sometimes the bottom edges didn’t quite lay perfectly at the straight edge and that resulted in being off just a tad after being pressed open, causing the curved seams from one block to another not to match, and we all know it’s about matching our seams (grin).
My solution was to sew a little from the bottom first to assure they lined up and then go back and sew from the top. This gave me much better results and was worth the extra time spent – still much less time than all those pins!
Design Change
Since this was just a practice piece I decided to make a design change instead of trimming or ripping out and starting over with the newly discovered technique.
I haven’t decided yet what to do with the block – it’s kinda a Christmas color and it also reminds me of an owl. I originally thought of summer watermelons…so many possibilities….I’m sure it will pop up in a sampler quilt some day!
I hope you have found this simple technique useful and will enjoy a little curve piecing.
Stay tuned for my Island Batik Ambassador June Challenge with Curved Piecing!
This is Karen Overton, The Quilt Rambler, with a simple trick to simplify your curved piecing of the traditional drunkard’s path block.
Have you tried curved piecing? Do you have a favorite traditional Drunkard’s Path layout? Leave me a comment!
I’ve also found 3 pins work best, and to hold the first pin as I sew 2 stitches, then remove the pin. You can gently stretch the bottom to match, as well, while using the stiletto to help guide the edges together. As for your block, it’s similar to a turtle, which I think someone has done, with the Drunkards Path blocks. Just applique a tail and head. Have fun.
Yes, Maryellen, I thought about a turtle ????. I have an old book by Anita Murphy and she did all sorts of critters including a turtle! And don’t you just love 3 pins and a stiletto – so much faster!