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ARDCO^TM Templates by QuiltSmith, Ltd.

Piecing the Garden Path Block

2"or 3" finished size

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Refer to the chart (GPS-2 or GPS-3) to see how many units are required to complete the project. For each unit, cut a square of background fabric, foreground fabric, and muslin (5" squares for GPS-2; or 7-1/2" squares for GPS-3). The muslin is optional. The three fabrics can be stacked and cut with a rotary cutter. Layer the muslin, then the background fabric right side up and finally the foreground fabric right side down facing the background fabric. If many different foreground fabrics are used, cut these separately and then layer the three fabrics.
   
2. Center the flower shaped template on each stack of fabrics and trace around template. Use a sharp pencil.
   
3. Sew on the drawn lines. Use 12-15 stitches per inch.
   
4. Trim close to stitching and clip all curves. Pinking shears can be used
   
5. Taking care to cut only the foreground layer of fabric, cut a 1" slit 1/2" from the edge of the petal shaped curve.
   
6. Turn right side out through the slit and press. Use a Little Wooden Iron to help push out the curves smoothly.
   
7. Center the hexagon template on the petal. (Foreground side facing) Fold the petal flaps over and steam well. The sharper the crease and the more permanent, the better. Take care not to burn your fingers on the hot metal. If you prefer, you can trace the sewing line with a pencil.
   
8. Sew the pressed petal units together along the pressed lines. If your machine has a built in walking foot, you probably will have no problems with the units slipping due to the thickness. Begin sewing each seam with the needle down, sew forward a stitch, then back stitch one stitch. Also, begin and end your seams a scant distance from the edges. If you are having problems, try this: start sewing in the middle of the seam and sew just to the edge, and then turn the work around and sew from the middle just to the other edge.
   
9. Sew the units into rows, then sew the rows together.
   
10. Using the walking foot, sew the petal flaps down. This can be after you have a few rows together, or you can wait until all rows are together
    

The technique for Garden Path was inspired by Carol Britt of Cotton Dreams and her Circular Patchwork Quilts Pattern. It is presented with her permission and encouragement.

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