Circular Designs
A number of block patchwork patterns include curved shapes. If you are new to patchwork quilting then it is generally recommended that you start with straight edge designs and shapes. However, once you feel comfortable with cutting and straight line piecing why not experiment with curved patterns.
To create your own curved templates you will need graph paper, ruler and a compass. Alternatively, ready made templates can of course be purchased.
Drunkard's Path
One of the most well known curved block patterns is the ‘Drunkard’s Path’. Each patch in the Drunkard’s Path block is made up of only two sections. The first section has a concave or inner curve cut diagonally through it, whilst the second section has a convex or outer curve cut diagonally through it. These two sections are pieced together at the curved edges to form the square patch. Blocks are formed by placing the squares together allowing the curved pattern formed to follow a random or repeated pattern. Drunkard’s Path has lots of design potential because the individual patches can be arranged in many different ways.
Orange Peel
The ’Orange Peel’ pattern has in the distant past also been known as the ’Melon Patch’ and ’Lafayette’. This pattern can be formed using a four patch block. Each square patch within the block contains an oval shape running diagonally across the square. When the squares are pieced together a four petal flower shape is formed within the block.
Double Wedding Ring
There are many interesting curved patterns to be explored such as ‘Grandmother’s Fan’ to ‘Broken Stone’ and the great favourite for wedding quilts, the classic ‘Double Wedding Ring’ where the pattern formed when the individual blocks are put together is that of interlocking circles or rings.