Embrace Curves with the Circular Attachment

If you love the look of curves but have been avoiding them, the Circular Attachment might just become your new best friend in sewing. Once you’ve sewn as many blocks as you like, the real fun begins with setting them. The Drunkard’s Path block is one of the most interesting and versatile quilt blocks, offering endless possibilities for creative settings.

What you need: 

• 5” squares of Fabric A: Light-colored (Charm pack)
• 5” squares of Fabric B: Print or batik medium/dark (Charm pack)
• 5” squares of Tear-Away stabilizer
• Fabric C: Sashing 2 ½” x the length needed to go around your finished size
• Batting
• Fabric D: Backing
• Rayon thread: For decorative stitches covering raw edges
• Bobbin thread: To match
• Appliqué scissors

Getting Started: 

1. Attach the Circular Attachment: Follow the instructions included in the box. Press the tab on the right side into the stitch plate hole, then the left tab into the hole on the left side of the stitch plate.
2. Note: Do not use the thread snips/scissors function when using the circular attachment.
3. Layer Your Fabrics: Place the stabilizer, Fabric A (right side up), and then Fabric B (right side up), aligning the edges.
4. Insert the Push Pin: Push the pin of the circular attachment through all three layers at a corner, ¼” from the point.
5. Set the Circular Attachment: Adjust it to 16cm - 18cm for the 5” block. The blocks can vary and still work together depending on your setting.

Sew the Curved Blocks: 

1. Insert the Push Pin: Place it into the magnetized hole of the circular attachment.
2. Sew: Use a straight stitch from one side of the block to the other, letting the circular attachment guide you.
3. Remove and Trim: Take the pin and fabric out of the machine. Trim the top fabric away from the light fabric along the stitched line on the side towards the pin hole, trimming close to the stitching.
4. Return the Pin: Place the pin back into the same hole in the corner of the fabric and return it to the circular attachment.
5. Decorative Stitch: Select a satin stitch or another decorative stitch to cover the cut edge of Fabric B.
6. Next Block: Layer the stabilizer, Fabric A (right side up), and Fabric B (quarter round cut away from the previous block) right side up. Match the fabric along the square corner and put the pin back into the same hole.
7. Appliqué: Return to a straight stitch and adjust the stitch position to appliqué the top fabric to the base, sewing close to the raw edge. Choose a decorative stitch to cover the raw edge of the fabric, adjusting the stitch position as needed.
8. Repeat: Continue until you have as many blocks as you want.

Finishing Up:

• Remove the Stabilizer: Once all blocks are sewn, remove the stabilizer.
• Set the Blocks: Have fun arranging the Drunkard’s Path blocks in your desired pattern.
• Piece Together and Quilt: Assemble your quilt and finish as desired.

Enjoy the process and never shy away from the Drunkard’s Path again—at least in quilting! 😉