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How to Sew the Drunkard's Path Quilt Block and Cushion Cover - FREE template

Updated: Jul 6


Hanging chair with a pink geometric pillow and white blanket in a sunny garden setting, surrounded by greenery.

The Drunkard's Path is a classic quilting block that consists of two curved pieces that are joined together to form a square. The curves of the pieces are designed to create a meandering, slightly unpredictable pattern reminiscent of the wandering path of a 'drunkard'! The block can be created in a variety of colours and patterns, and is often used as a building block for larger quilting projects. The Drunkard's Path can be more challenging for beginner sewers due to the curved seams, but it becomes easier after a few practices! It is a popular and versatile block that can add a fun and dynamic element to any quilting project.


For this tutorial, we will create 16 squares to make a cushion cover using two contrasting colours, blush pink and burgundy. Create more blocks if you decide to make a quilt!


Download your FREE templates here -



Print the templates to 100% scale and cut out the shapes.


  1. Cut 8 from template one (the corner shape) in pink and 8 in burgundy.

  2. Cut 8 from template 2 (the quarter circle) in pink and 8 in burgundy.

Use 1'4" seam allowance throughout.

Two fabric pieces, one maroon and semi-circular, the other pink and angular, on a white background. No text or visible patterns.





Use one of each colour to create the sqaure.










3. Find the centre of the curve of the quarter circle and the centre of the curve of the corner shape by folding in half and creasing. Place the two right sides together, lining up the centre marks.

Two overlapping fabric pieces, one pink, the other burgundy, on a white background. The fabrics form geometric shapes with clean edges.













4. Pin the centre point and line up the raw edges, easing the corner shape to match the curve of the quarter circle. Use plenty of pins!

Pink and burgundy fabric pieces pinned together with colorful pins against a white background, showcasing sewing preparation.















5. Sew in place using 1/4" seam allowance. Snip into the seam allowance along the curve. This will help the seam to sit flat when pressing.

Pink and maroon fabric pieces sewn together on a white background. The pink fabric is gathered, creating a textured, wavy appearance.















6. Open and press.

Pink and maroon fabric square with a curved seam on a white background, showcasing contrasting colors and smooth textures.















7. Repeat with the rest of the pieces.

Grid of red and pink fabric squares with semicircle patterns, set on a white background. The arrangement is neat and geometric.












8. Now you can decide on the layout of the sqaures and what design you'd like to use! There's lots of different ways to arrange the sqaures, here's a few ideas -


Nine square tiles with pink and brown geometric patterns, featuring circles and curved lines, arranged in a grid. Retro and abstract design.















9. Once you've arranged the sqaures how you'd like, sew the sqaures together in rows of 4 and press.

TIP - Make sure the sides of the circle shapes are lined up as you sew the rows together, this will make them look neat!

Pink and maroon fabric pieces with circular patterns arranged on a white background, creating a geometric design.















10. Sew the rows together and press.

Geometric quilt block with pink and burgundy circles and semicircles on a white background. Modern, minimalist design.















11. If you'd like to quilt the cushion cover, adhere wadding to the back first. I've used Vliesiline H630 and quilted around the semi circles and circles using matching coloured thread.

Pink and burgundy color-block quilt with circles and semicircles on a white background. Geometric pattern creates a modern, artistic feel.











12. To create an evelope back, cut 2 pieces of fabric measuring the width of the cushion front by half of the length + 4". My cushion front is 20" sqaure so my backing pieces will measure 20 x 14".

Two overlapping fabric pieces, one dark red and one light pink, lie on a white surface. Minimalist and calm setting. No text visible.















13. Hem one long side of each backing piece of fabric by folding over by 1/4" and then 1/4" again and sewing in place.

Two fabric sheets, one pink and one burgundy, overlap on a white surface. The setting is bright and simple, highlighting fabric colors.













14. Place the backing pieces of fabric over the right side of the cushion front, making sure the two hemmed sides are overlapping facing towards the centre. Sew around all 4 sides. Snip off the corner points within the seam allowance.

A flat piece of fabric with a pink top section and a dark red bottom, lying on a white surface. No visible text or patterns.















15. Turn right side out and insert your cushion pad to finish!

Square pillow with pink and dark red geometric pattern of circles and squares on a white background, creating a modern and vibrant look.

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