What Quilters Are Saying
“I wanted to make a Drunkard’s Path quilt, but I didn't want to deal with curved piecing. The Quiltsmart method made it approachable.”
“The printed interfacing gave me the confidence to try a pattern I had always avoided.”
“I love that I can get the look of curved piecing without spending hours matching curves.”
“The blocks went together so much faster than I expected. I was able to concentrate on choosing fabrics and playing with the layout.”
“I started with a small project to learn the technique, and now I'm ready to make a whole quilt.”
What You'll Learn
- How to use printed interfacing to make Drunkard’s Path blocks
- How to use the Quiltsmart Zigzag Appliqué technique
- How to create smooth, consistent curves without traditional curved piecing
- How to assemble multiple blocks efficiently
- How to arrange the blocks into different Drunkard’s Path designs
- How to turn your blocks into quilts, table runners, wall hangings and other projects
Quick Start
1. Choose your fabric. Pick two or more fabrics for your Drunkard’s Path design.
2. Cut your fabric and printed interfacing. The printed lines on the interfacing guide your construction.
3. Sew the marked lines. Use your sewing machine and the Quiltsmart method to build the curved shapes.
4. Appliqué with a narrow zigzag stitch. The curves are created without traditional curved piecing.
5. Trim, press and arrange. Turn your finished blocks into the Drunkard’s Path layout of your choice.
New to Quiltsmart? Start with the Pack, which includes the complete instructions and eight panels of printed interfacing for up to a Twin-size quilt.
Who Is This For?
- Quilters who love classic quilt designs but don't love curved piecing. This pattern gives you another way to create the iconic Drunkard’s Path look.
- Beginners curious about curves. The printed interfacing gives you a clear starting point and lets you learn the technique without jumping straight into traditional curved seams.
- Experienced quilters looking for a faster method. If you've sewn Drunkard’s Path blocks the traditional way, you'll appreciate skipping the templates, careful curve matching and pinning.
- Quilters who love design possibilities. A simple quarter-circle block can be arranged in many ways to create very different quilt designs.
- Scrap quilters. Drunkard’s Path is a great opportunity to play with color, contrast, scale and fabric combinations.
What's Included
Choose the option that works for your project:
PACK
Complete Drunkard’s Path instructions
8 panels of printed interfacing
Enough interfacing to make up to a Twin-size quilt
INSTRUCTIONS ONLY
Complete Drunkard’s Path instructions
Ideal if you already have the Quiltsmart interfacing and need another copy of the instructions
PANEL
1 panel of printed Drunkard’s Path interfacing
Use with your own fabric and instructions
BOLT
25 panels of printed Drunkard’s Path interfacing
A great option for instructors, quilt shops, groups or multiple projects
Please note: Fabric, batting, backing, thread and other quilting supplies are not included unless specifically stated.
Drunkard’s Path is one of those quilt blocks that can look wonderfully complicated once the blocks are arranged, even though you're working with just a few simple shapes.
Each quarter-circle and L-shaped block finishes at 4 inches.
Play with the direction of your blocks to create different patterns and movement across your quilt. Use bright solids for a modern look, scraps for a playful quilt, or coordinated fabrics for a more traditional feel.
And don't stop with a bed quilt. Drunkard’s Path blocks can be used for table runners, wall hangings, pillows, table toppers and other quilted home décor. A smaller project is also a great way to try the Quiltsmart method before committing to a larger quilt.
Gift idea: Make a Drunkard’s Path table runner or wall hanging for a quilter, new homeowner or anyone who loves handmade pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a traditional Drunkard’s Path quilt pattern?
Yes. The Quiltsmart Drunkard’s Path pattern creates the classic quarter-circle design, but uses Quiltsmart’s Zigzag Appliqué method instead of traditional curved piecing.
Is this a printed interfacing pattern?
Yes. The pattern uses printed interfacing with the shapes and stitching lines marked for you. The interfacing helps guide the construction of your Drunkard’s Path blocks.
Do I have to sew curved seams?
No. That's one of the biggest benefits of the Quiltsmart method. Instead of sewing two curved fabric pieces together, you use the Zigzag Appliqué technique.
Is this good for beginners?
Yes. If traditional curved piecing has been keeping you from trying Drunkard’s Path, the Quiltsmart method gives you a simpler way to get started. Experienced quilters can also use it to save time.
What size are the finished blocks?
Each quarter-circle and L-shaped block finishes at 4 inches.
What comes with the Drunkard’s Path Pack?
The Pack includes complete instructions and eight panels of printed interfacing, enough to make up to a Twin-size quilt.
Does the pattern include fabric?
No. This is a pattern and printed interfacing product. You provide your own fabric and other quilting supplies.
Can I use scraps?
Absolutely. Drunkard’s Path is a great design for experimenting with scraps, color and contrast.
Can I make something smaller than a quilt?
Yes. Try using the blocks for a table runner, wall hanging, pillow or other quilted home décor project.
What is the difference between the Panel and the Pack?
The Panel gives you a single panel of printed interfacing. The Pack includes the complete instructions plus eight panels of interfacing for making up to a Twin-size quilt.
Can I buy the instructions separately?
Yes. An Instructions Only option is available if you already have the interfacing.
What sewing machine do I need?
The Quiltsmart method uses a standard sewing machine and a narrow zigzag stitch for the appliqué step. A sewing machine capable of a narrow zigzag stitch is recommended.