Log Cabin Quilt Block Tutorial

There are some quilt blocks out there that are the ‘standard’ when it comes to quilts.  The log cabin quilt block is one of them.

It’s very sewer friendly, with just strips of fabric.  The fun begins when you start playing with color.

Starting with the center of the block with a simple square, the rest of the quilt block revolves around it.

Traditionaly the center block is red, but since I don’t always follow the rules in quilting, I went with a block that was fussy cut.

Cutting Instructions: cut one of each 11 pieces total
Dark Fabric:
2 1/2″ X 2 1/2″
2 1/2″ X 4 1/2″
2 1/2″ X 6 1/2″
2 1/2″ X 8 1/2″
2 1/2″ X 10 1/2″

Light fabric:
2 1/2″ X 2 1/2″
2 1/2″ X 4 1/2″
2 1/2″ X 6 1/2″
2 1/2″ X 8 1/2″
2 1/2 X 10 1/2
2 1/2″ X 12 1/2″

Log Cabin Quilt Block Instructions:

You can lay out the fabric strips out to help you remember what goes where.   With a traditional log cabin block, one side is light and the other dark.

1) Pin the two smallest blocks in light and dark fabric together
2) Sew together down one side

3) Iron
4) Pin the next light fabric, then dark, and dark again, then light, light. Repeating sewing, ironing until all pieces are used.

Hint * When sewing on the new strip, you will be sewing across 2 seams.  If you have only sewn across one you are sewing the strip to the wrong side!

You do need to pay attention to the seam allowance.  Make sure that you are sewing a quarter inch with all the seams.  Your block will turn out perfectly if you do.

Another variation— use different width of strips.  Mix it up a bit with skinny and fat strips….. it will make an eclectic block, more on the impromtu side of quilting. {which is where I go quite often}

Have any hints for sewing a log cabin?  Do you have a favorite layout of color/tone?

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