drunkards path-easy method
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIXk...FUs4W4mZnuuqEg I just saw this and wow-needed to share

Thanks a lot for the link. Looks a lot easier than the traditional method.

Looks to me like it wastes a lot of fabric, and I don't care for the raw edges.

I don't like the raw edges either. If I am going to take the time to cut the fabric curves/pieces, I am going to sew the curves. I have never liked raw edges, not even the iron on appliques...but that is just me.

Agree with not really liking raw edge...but, I do like that marking pencil she used....know which it is?

I don't like raw edges either.

Geri B, it looks like the Bohin Chalk marker that I have. http://www.amazon.com/Bohin-White-Me.../dp/B002IT99HG

It's not something I'd do, either, but it might be good for a total newbie. :) (Did she really say to cut 1/8" from the stitch line? I'd leave at least 1/4" if it were me. I'd be worried about it fraying and coming apart.)

If I wanted use a shortcut on this type of block, I'd use the freezer paper method (no raw edges) to applique a circle into the center of a square of fabric, then cut the square in half both ways. That would give me four "cheater" drunkard's path blocks that I could then rearrange however I wanted. No (or very little) wasted fabric. In fact, it just occurred to me that this would be a fun scrappy quilt idea! :)

I'm all for new methods but would have to cover the raw edge with braid, ribbon or embroidery.

I would do the freezer paper method as well to make it a 'cleaner' finished block. Good idea about doing it scrappy, am a scrappy kinda gal, should set fabrics aside while I sort/cut projects.

moonrise,
Where can I find the pattern you're talking about?

The pattern itself is in my head (LOL!), but here's a tutorial for freezer paper applique'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljl_O2aOT1M

I would use the same method to applique' a circle onto the center of a square of fabric, then cut the square in half both vertically and horizontally, making four "cheater" drunkard's path blocks. Hope that makes sense. :)

As far as the exact measurements, that would be up to you, depending on the look you want. :)

I'll try to do a quick tutorial this afternoon, if I can find my freezer paper. It seems to have sprouted legs and walked off. ;)

Okay, here's a quickie tutorial using a 5" charm square. :)

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Step #1: Draw a 4-1/2" circle on the non-shiny side of freezer paper, and cut the circle out.

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Step #2: Lay the freezer paper circle SHINY SIDE UP on top of the WRONG side of the charm square. Trim off the corners of the charm square to take away some of the bulk.

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Step #3: Iron the edges of the charm square, folding them over onto the freezer paper, which, again, should be SHINY SIDE UP. The edges will stick to the paper, keeping them folded over.

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Step #4: Dab a bit of Elmer's School Glue along the edges of the circle.

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Step #5: Place the circle in the center of a 6-1/2" square of fabric, and iron it. This will dry the glue quickly, so the circle will stay in place without needing to use pins.

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Step #6: Stitch around the very edge of the circle, as close to the edge as you can get. I used a straight stitch, but you can use whatever stitch you want as long as it secures the circle to the square. You can also hand-applique' it, if you want.

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Here is the sewn circle.

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Step #7: Cut the 6-1/2" square vertically and horizontally, making four 3-1/4" squares.

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Step #8: Tear away the freezer paper and discard it.

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Step #9: You can trim this flap of fabric away if you want, leaving 1/4" seam allowance. I just left mine as is. Either way is fine.

One more step to follow. It'll only let me post 10 photos at a time.

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Step #10: Arrange the squares to your liking, and sew them together as you would any other quilt block. :)

Thanks for sharing...