Drunkard's Path Templates

The September blocks for the Craftsy Block of the Month class require templates to create the shapes for the Drunkard's Path.  I couldn't find the recommended Perfect Patchwork Drunkard’s Path Templates Set #8960 by Marti Michell in my local quilt shops and was too impatient to order them on-line and wait to make the blocks.  Also, the set costs nearly $20 and I'd have to pay shipping and taxes on top of that.  Unsure whether I'd even be able to, or like, sewing the curves, I decided to just make the templates myself.

I printed out the shapes from the course materials provided by Craftsy onto regular copy paper.  I cut them out and glued them onto thick chipboard using 2-way white glue and a brayer to get them really smooth and adhered.  Next, I used my awesome Tim Holtz scissors to roughly cut out the shapes (they are the only thing that would work on such thick cardboard!)  I used my craft knife and a ruler to trim up close to the edges and finally, sanded the templates with my file to get them absolutely smooth.
I must say, the templates came out wonderfully!  Using the thick chipboard makes cutting around the templates so much easier (vs. thin paperboard or even template plastic, both are so thin you run the risk of cutting into them with the rotary cutter or worse, slipping over the edge and cutting yourself!).  I did use my smallest rotary cutter (28 mm) and that helped a lot cutting precisely around the shape.  I cut a test-piece of fabric and it worked like a charm!  For the limited times I will probably use the Drunkard's Path my homemade templates are more than adequate...and were completely free!  Now I know that I can make very nice templates myself, I will definitely have confidence to make other shapes.  I'm currently taking the Inspired Modern Quilts class over at Craftsy and one of the projects uses a pumpkin seed shape template...no problem!

Comments

[Debbie]

I love Craftsy, I have signed up for 2 classes now. Cindy Needham's Quilting class and Kimberly Einmoe Magical Jelly Roll Quilts.Both are great and I have really enjoyed working along with the video. I almost have my quilt top put together.
I made a tumbler template the same as you did( could not wait to find one) and it worked perfect. I am looking forward to taking more classes soon. Debbie

[Maureen]

I just found your blog and I love it! :) How did you know the correct size to make the Drunkard's Path templates?