Stitchtale

Drunkard's Path quilt block

A classic block that sews up in an afternoon and looks right in almost any fabric.

11 steps, start to finishWatch the Drunkard's Path sew up, cut to press.
Sew a Drunkard's Path quilt

Try it in your colours · Design your own quilt with it

Try it in your colours

Tap a colourway, or pick each fabric. The film at the top changes too.

Colourways

Or pick each fabric

Love it? Find real fabric in these colours at the fabric shop.

Quilts made with the Drunkard's Path

Cut sizes for one Drunkard's Path block

Pick the finished size. Every cut includes the ¼″ seam allowance.

Cutting for one 6″ finished Drunkard's Path block
PieceCutQty
Drunkard's Path quarter circlemain fabric1½″ × 1½″8
Drunkard's Path curved piecebackground fabric42″ × 2″1
Drunkard's Path quarter circlebackground fabric1½″ × 1½″8
Drunkard's Path curved piecemain fabric42″ × 2″1
Cutting for one 9″ finished Drunkard's Path block
PieceCutQty
Drunkard's Path quarter circlemain fabric2″ × 2″8
Drunkard's Path curved piecebackground fabric42″ × 2¾″1
Drunkard's Path quarter circlebackground fabric2″ × 2″8
Drunkard's Path curved piecemain fabric42″ × 2¾″1
Cutting for one 12″ finished Drunkard's Path block
PieceCutQty
Drunkard's Path quarter circlemain fabric2½″ × 2½″8
Drunkard's Path curved piecebackground fabric42″ × 3½″1
Drunkard's Path quarter circlebackground fabric2½″ × 2½″8
Drunkard's Path curved piecemain fabric42″ × 3½″1

Good to know

What size should I make a Drunkard's Path block?

Any size that suits your quilt. 12″ is the easiest to sew, and 9″ or 6″ look lovely in a busy, scrappy quilt. It sits on a 4 by 4 grid, so a finished size that divides by 4 gives you friendly cutting numbers. The cut sizes for all three are on this page.

How many Drunkard's Path blocks do I need for a quilt?

At 12″ you need 9 blocks for a wall quilt, 12 for a baby quilt, 30 for a throw, 48 for a twin quilt and 72 for a queen quilt. Sashing or a border between them means fewer blocks for the same size.

Is the Drunkard's Path good for a beginner?

Yes, if you take it slowly. The one new skill is the drunkards path, and the film at the top shows every cut, seam and press.

What's the trick to a neat Drunkard's Path?

Sew a test Drunkard's Path first and measure it. If it comes out the right size, the rest will too.

Coffee and a few seams?

Start a quilt with the Drunkard's Path and we’ll walk you through every cut and seam.

Sew a Drunkard's Path quilt