Drunkard’s Path quilt using interfacing

Make a Drunkard’s Path quilt using interfacing for a quick alternative to the slow traditional process of curved sewing! Check out a couple of projects I made with it: nope, I am not making money on this post – just showing you a product that I liked working with and that can be a great way to tackle projects that are a bit more involved to make when using traditional curved piecing.

I made this quilt a few summers ago using a Moda Fabrics charm pack (5″ squares) and yardage of a light cream fabric for the background. I love how it turned out and, at 48″ squares, it is perfect as a table topper, a wall hanging, or as a throw to warm up my knees as I read on the couch on a winter afternoon.

The palette is very soothing with many values of blues and browns, different scales of leaves and floral motifs, and lots of texture. The overall layout is reminiscent of decorative tile designs and is well suited for traditional or modern decor because of all the negative space and color choices.

Ah, but you look at the blocks and say, “Curved piecing, no way!” That is usually my first reaction until I remember there is an easy way to make these blocks without dozens of pins, pinpricks, and very slow stitching. I used Quiltsmart pre-printed interfacing and tiny zigzag stitches with monofilament!

I think it is worth using interfacing when attempting more complicated quilt projects, as they can make the whole piecing process easier and allow you to have a complex-looking quilt without the pain of ripping stitches to get perfect results.

The blocks finish at 4″ – make dozens for a larger quilt, or just a few for a table runner as an introduction to working with interfacing if you have never done it before.

I free-motion quilted loops and other shapes to match the curved lines of the blocks and the prints. You may opt to simply stitch in the ditch or quilt diagonal lines using the walking foot on your sewing machine. I worked with a light cream thread on the background and with monofilament on the dark fabrics as a way to make the other colors pop without the added hue from a thread. I think it worked out wonderfully.

Making a Drunkard’s Path quilt using interfacing can be the perfect project for those who like machine applique’, too, as you will applique’ the curved portions onto the background with tiny zigzag stitches. These stitches secure the edges well and, due to the interfacing, ensure that the fabric won’t fray – which may happen when you fuse and machine applique’ fabrics the traditional way and use another stitch such as the blanket stitch (my favorite).

When you do machine applique’ raw edges of the fused fabric, though, use a product such as Fray Check (affiliate link) to prevent fraying. It is easy to apply but it is a good idea to test it first to ensure you won’t see it on dark fabrics once it dries. I only notice it if I apply a very thick line of Fray Check on the edges.

The wedding rings quilt above is one of my all-time favorites, and I made it using another interfacing product by Quiltsmart. I had always wanted to make a wedding ring quilt but wasn’t sure I wanted to spend the time. Well, this one was so easy and the fabrics I chose have all my favorite colors. I spent countless hours free-motion quilting the leaves, though…

Well, my life is going through some major changes right now and, although I am not writing as often here, know that I am immersed in quilt designing and making. It is just that writing, one of my choicest things to do, can be a bit difficult when your mind is weighed down with worldly concerns.

Stay tuned for free quilt patterns coming up! You will love them. In the meantime, here’s hoping that 2022 brings lots of color and happiness to your life. For my part, I will continue to strive to provide inspiration for your sewing days.