Here is my method for making a Drunkard's Path Block. I hope you all enjoy the process of learning the DP block done with my cut down method.

Traditionally it is made by tracing out two parts of the block with 2 curved templates. But I have developed my own way of making them without having to piece any curves. The only curved sewing is when we sew the “yoyo” onto a background fabric. There are several ways you can do this so it is not a hard thing to do.

So lets continue on to how to make a flat “yoyo” I have been told this is not really a yoyo but as it is the same steps up to the point where you sew the center hole closed I will still call it a yoyo.

We are using a 1 ½” template but you can use any size template to create blocks of larger size. The yoyos will need to be bigger also for a bigger size block.


TIP: To figure out the size circle you need for a larger block just cut a circle of paper to use as a trial run. Place your circle on the template you are going to use and see it that size fits


Making a flat yoyo:

Cut a swatch of each fabric - a swatch is a piece of fabric that you cut without measuring. You should make sure you cut at least a 3 1/2" size piece. You can cut a square but you will be trimming it down later. The reason for this is to get a more accurate block.

Spray with sizing and iron. I soak mine with sizing. I like them stiff because they are easier to work with. Turn it over and spray the other side. Set aside to let it dry. I like to let it dry overnight for the stiffest results. But you can work with it if you iron it as dry as possible. You just have to be more careful to maintain the circular shape after you remove the cardboard circle. A hair dryer might dry it quicker also. Just an idea.

Tip: I thread several needles at a time so you have what you need at hand.


Tip: If you don’t want to get sizing all over your ironing board ( it can get sticky) you might protect your ironing board with a thin cotton tea towel before you spray. You still need a flat surface to iron on so don’t use a fluffy towel or you will not be able to get it flat enough

After your yoyo is dry - pry up one edge and pull the cardboard circle out gently. Your circle should maintain it’s shape but you need to gently pull the thread to pull it back into a circle. I like to put my thumb against(NOT ON) the thread to keep the circle in shape as I pull. Pull gently on which ever side you need to to draw it back into a good circle shape. Now you can trim the thread off.

Ok Now to make the blocks!!


Making the block

Cut 4 swatches about at least 3 ½” square. It doesn’t have to be a perfect square. It can be a scrap. I tend to just hack off a piece approx. the size I want without measuring.


Tip: If you cut all the swatches at one time it will save you time. I highly recommend that you make all of your yoyos at the same time before going on to the next step. If you leave them to dry overnight or for awhile this is especially important to make all of them now. They will be very stiff and easier to work with the longer you can leave them to dry.

Now lay the yoyo face up on the swatch( also face up). Pin in place. Then sew the yoyo onto the background swatch.

Place the yoyo under the foot on your sewing machine. Sew around the edge slowly. Take a couple stitches and then evaluate whether you can take another stitch or do you need to lift the foot and turn your fabric.

Make sure you always leave your needle down before you lift the foot! When you get practiced at doing this you can slide the fabric so it spins under the needle. But spinning them is not easy to do. And I still do it slowly.

Continue to sew around the circle a few stitches at a time until you get back to where you started. This is the only curved sewing you will do on this project. With practice this is not really hard. It may seem intimidating but if you go slow it isn’t really that difficult to do. I can’t drop my feeddogs so I just sew it normally.

TIP: You can sew the yoyo on in several ways. You can sew it on with the sewing machine as I show below here. Or you can hand sew it on or use a zigzag or other stitch on your machine and sew around on the edge. You can certainly use the needle turn method if that is what you are comfortable with. If you are uncomfortable with these you could use an iron on method.


TIP: You can practice with paper to get the feel of sewing a circle with your sewing machine. Cut out a 2” circle and practice sewing it onto another piece of paper.

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Next it is time to cut the swatch apart. You need to cut this into four but they need to be the same size.

Basically you want to measure the width of your yoyo and cut down the middle with your rotary cutter.
I have an 18” ruler cut into two sections. I like to use both of them so I can position them on the yoyo.

Then I take away the right one leaving the left one in place and cut. I don’t have to figure any fractions that way. Just use the lines on the rulers to center your yoyo between both rulers.

Some math is unavoidable but why bother if you don’t have to- right?
Make sure to lay ruler parallel with the edge of the swatch or you will not have room for the template.
　
This is the most important part of this process. You
need to take the time to be as accurate as possible in your cutting. That is why it is a good idea to use the two rulers as you can get a more accurate placement of the ruler you need to cut along.

Sorry about the change in fabrics. I had to go back and take pics of steps I didn't take the first time I wrote this lesson. And I didn't have the original fabrics. Sorry if that makes it a bit confusing.

The size of circle I used here was a 2" to make a 1 1/2" Drunkard's Path Block to use in making a 6 1/2" quilt block.

To make a larger quilt block we would need to use a larger circle. I don't have that math worked out but if you would like me to figure it for you just let me know and I will be happy to help.

You can experiment with paper instead of fabric to practice these steps or to figure out what size circle you might need for the size block you want to make.


NEW INFO--for those of you who are having trouble figuring out how to get a 2" circle for the cardboard circles I just figured out that the cap on my Magic Sizing bottle is a perfect 2"!! Who knew?!!

So take the cap and place the open end on your cardboard and trace around it. Be careful not to squeeze the cap tho or your circle will become an oval! LOL


Hope you enjoy this process and have many happy hours sewing!!!

I am so gonna try this one as soon as i get the others done. Thank you Rhonda, another great tut.

Rhonda, Thank You so much for the great tut.

I will be posting the new blocks for this week's Sampler here later on and I am including one Drunkard's Path Quilt Block

Thanks for the great tute.

You're welcome! I love the chance to share!

Thanks Rhonda for the tute. I am so glad that I found this board and that your on it also.

Let's see if I understand this - you make a circle and sew it in the middle of a square, cut it into quarters and VOILA!???? Sure sounds more do-able than the original way, huh? THANKS!

I saw another quick easy method on F&P TV. You make your squares. ie. one white one black. Cut out the curve on the one of those colors-ie the black square. Then you take the 2 black pieces and put each one on a white square. Spot glue each piece. After that your take a binding and sew it onto the curve on each piece. The binding could be a third color ie red. Now you have two pieces. one that has a small black quarter circle on a large white area and one with a small white quarter circle on a large black area. On each piece you trim off the fabric that's on back of each square. Is this totally confusing? Wish I could show a pic. they're lots of fun to make.

P.S. Rhonda thanx for your demo. I'll have to try that sometime as well.

THANKS

Yes I understand. I think I saw something like it recently.

Another great tute. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

you're welcome!

Thanks for sharing your shortcut for the DP. I have a pattern that I would like to try, but never have attempted. Your shortcut looks like a winner! :thumbup:

Ok that was cool. Also I wanted to thank those who helped me this past summer to figure out my quilting machine problem. I am beholden to you and appreciated the quick response. I think it was the thread. I may have had it stored where it drew humidity too long or something. Any way I went and got that expensive signature thread to finish my projects and it was worth the price because it all turned out great from that point on. My sincere thanks.

Thanks Rhonda. I bookmarked this for later referral.

Great tute. Thanks for sharing.

I thought there should be an easier way I am glad you found it.

Thank you Rhonda! You keep helping me with great quilting ideas, easier & faster. I'm new at all this I just keep printing off all your idea and making a booklet I can refer to. I also share this with a friend who has no computer. So we both learn. Again thank you.
Regards,
Janice E.

You're welcome everyone! I am happy to share what I have learned!

Rhonda -

I have all of your tutorials that I've seen bookmarked. I'm sure there are even more. Your are so talented to be able to figure out all these shortcuts. Thanks!!!

I'm so glad you enjoy what I have to share. Sharing is what quilting is all about in my opinion! Rhonda

If you haven't seen these here are my links for the info I have available:


Bentonsport Iowa Quilt Retreat - Sept 24 -26
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-50886-1.htm


My Quilting Board Virtual Sections

Rhonda's Blocks
http://www.quiltingboard.com/virtual...jsp?vsnum=1020

Rhonda's Sampler Quiltalong
http://www.quiltingboard.com/virtual...jsp?vsnum=1017

Rhonda's Workshops and classes
http://www.quiltingboard.com/virtual...jsp?vsnum=1010



My free tutorials on the Quilted Paradise Newsletter

http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/230-jzl.jsp ---cell phone case
http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/231-uzl.jsp -- bookmarks
http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/232-uid.jsp -- softbox pincushion 1st half
http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/233-uid.jsp -- softbox pincushion 2nd half
http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/067-ezl.jsp -- keychains
http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/038-oqk.jsp - mouse pad--star point
http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/235-zez.jsp - Ways to go beyond Quilts


My free tutorials on the Quilting Board

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-37915-1.htm - Easy Half Square Triangles
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-36995-1.htm - Butterflys
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-38879-1.htm - Boston Blocks
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-30920-1.htm - Confusion Crazy Quilting
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-23252-1.htm - Tips for HSTs
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-53469-1.htm - Sunbonnet Sue Magnets
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-46365-1.htm - Easy Way to Piece this HST Quilt Block



My website:

http://www.bitsnpiecesworkshop.com a free teaching site


My EBooks

http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/977-owz.jsp -Playing with Boston Blocks
http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/983-owz.jsp -Dresden Kaleidoscopes
http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/995-owz.jsp -Star Point Block
http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/822.jsp -----Bed Quilts Blocks and Borders with Wings Blocks

Oh thanks so much!!!

I have always been soooo intimidated by sewing anything with curves, this really makes it seem less imposable, I want to thank you!!!

I don't do curves!! LOL LOL This is as close to curves as I get. My Star Point Block and my Wings Block give the illusion of curves which I love but curves intimidate me. I tried doing the drunkard's path the traditional way and it is just not for me.

thank you. Can I please see a whole quilt with the drunkard's path. After you make the blocks, how are they sewn together?

I posted a Quilt block in my Rhonda's Sampler Quilt Along week 7. After you make the block(my shortcut) then you just sew it to the next block like you would a plain square. I show the layout of the Quilt Block so you can see how to turn each block to get that look for that quilt block.

So make the blocks. Choose a Quilt Block that uses Drunkard's Path blocks. Lay your blocks out in the rows in the direction needed for that design. Then sew the blocks together into rows and rows together into the quilt block. Simple.

Here is the link for Week 7
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-63272-1.htm

I am bookmarking all these pages, so I can start doing your blocks. thank you and God bless.

Hi< I use an even quicker and easier way to make a Drunkards Path. I draw a circle on a used dryer sheet with a plastic lid or something, whatever seize you want to make it . Don't cut the circle out yet . Place the dryer sheet on a piece of fabric on the right side, sew on the circle line all around . trim close to stitching, make a slit in the dryer sheet center and turn.Press .Place center of circle in center of a square ( 8 or 10 inches?)I find the center by folding square and circle into four and stick a pin in to match centers. Sew all around circle.(buttohole stitch) than cut horizontal and vertical through center and you have 4 pieces to make different patterns.
See website of Mary Lou Weidman .Have fun! Bobby

Woooo!

Yep, I agree that the easier way to do this is fold your fabric in quarters and fold your flat yoyo (circle) in quarters. Then all you have to do is center the flat yoyo (circle) folding lines on the fabric folding lines and it will be center every time. No need for two rulers for centering, no need for even one ruler. So either way to make the Drunkard's Path Block Rhonda's or Bobby's can be done like this. :thumbup:

Thanks a bunch! I am learning on my own and this looks Like I can actually be able to make a DP block. Will try tomorrow!!