There are numerous block designs that have a curve, but the most common one is definitely the Drunkard’s Path or Quarter Circle. Is there a difference between the two? Not much. Generally a Drunkard’s Path block will have more background that a quarter circle and that’s it.

This additional background can make a big difference in the final layout. If you want the edges of your circles to touch, use a Quarter Circle. If you want to create more of a typical meandering path or a block with more background, it’s a Drunkard’s Path. That said, there are no quilt police and you can call it whatever you like!

Much like the Half-Square Triangle, the layout options with the Drunkard’s Path block are phenomenal. Check out how different each one looks depending on color placement and orientation of blocks:

You can plot the layout before you choose fabrics using these or other designs. Or wait until you’ve sewn your blocks together, then start arranging and re-arranging until you find the perfect layout. There are just so many possibilities!

For more information on cutting, basting and sewing Drunkard’s Path blocks, check out this episode of MAKE with Teresa Coates. Get creative and see what you come up with; I can’t wait to see!

Happy sewing!

P.S. You can find a template to practice making these blocks here.