Other Quilt Block Directions

12" Block

 Log Cabin

One of the most popular quilt blocks, the Log Cabin block is easy to piece and is a good choice for the beginning quilter. It is an excellent choice for a scrap quilt and offers many different settings and variations thus making it popular with more seasoned quilters.

There are many different ways in which to piece the log cabin block. It can be paper pieced, pieced using "logs" which are precut to the right length, or, pieced with the "logs" trimmed to the right length after sewing them to the block. Rotary cutting make this block quick to cut.

Help, I need a quick review of Rotary Cutting

Note: all seam allowances are 1/4" unless otherwise specified.


Fabric

The Log Cabin block uses three different fabrics. Traditionally, the center square was red fabric symbolizing the hearth.

 Fabric A

 Fabric B

 Fabric C


Cutting the fabric

Note: The requirements given below are for those who wish to cut all of the "logs" before joining them to the block. Other options can be found following the basic instructions.

This block requires:

 one 2-1/2" square of Fabric A
 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" rectangle of Fabric B
  1-1/2" x 3-1/2" rectangle of both Fabric B and Fabric C
  1-1/2" x 4-1/2" rectangle of both Fabric B and Fabric C
  1-1/2" x 5-1/2" rectangle of both Fabric B and Fabric C
  1-1/2" x 6-1/2" rectangle of both Fabric B and Fabric C
  1-1/2" x 7-1/2" rectangle of both Fabric B and Fabric C
  1-1/2" x 8-1/2" rectangle of both Fabric B and Fabric C
  1-1/2" x 9-1/2" rectangle of both Fabric B and Fabric C
  1-1/2" x 10-1/2" rectangle of both Fabric B and Fabric C
  1-1/2" x 11-1/2" rectangle of both Fabric B and Fabric C
 1-1/2" x 12-1/2" rectangle of Fabric C


 Piecing the block

The Log Cabin block begins with a center fabric square which is surrounded by "logs". The logs are joined to the block in a circular fashion starting with shorter logs and working out to the longer ones. The logs are joined in a circular fashion with the block being rotated 90° counter-clockwise after each log is joined. The current log being joined is always started on the log which was just joined to the block.

Pressing Note: The seam allowances in this block are always pressed toward the rectangle which has just been joined to the block.

 1) Join the 2-1/2" square of Fabric A to the 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" rectangle of Fabric B.
 2) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" of Fabric B.
 3) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" of Fabric C.
 4) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 4-1/2" of Fabric C.
 5) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 4-1/2" of Fabric B.
 6) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" of Fabric B.
 7) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" of Fabric C.
 8) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 6-1/2" of Fabric C.
 9) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 6-1/2" of Fabric B.
 10) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 7-1/2" of Fabric B.
 11) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 7-1/2" of Fabric C.
 12) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 8-1/2" of Fabric C.
 13) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 8-1/2" of Fabric B.
 14) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 9-1/2" of Fabric B.
 15) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 9-1/2" of Fabric C.
 16) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 10-1/2" of Fabric C.
 17) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 10-1/2" of Fabric B.
 18) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 11-1/2" of Fabric B.
 19) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 11-1/2" of Fabric C.
 20) Turn the block 90° counter-clockwise and join the 1-1/2" x 12-1/2" of Fabric C.


Alternative Piecing Methods

Making Multiple Log Cabin Blocks

 1) If making more than one Log Cabin block, it is quicker to cut the fabric strips after sewing the strip to the block rather than cutting the strips before. Cut the center 2-1/2" square of Fabric A as shown above. Then cut several 1-1/2" strips of Fabric B and several 1-1/2" strips of Fabric C. (The amount needed depends upon the number of blocks begin made. Start the block by joining the 2-1/2" squares of Fabric A to one of the 1-1/2" strips of Fabric B in a continuous line leaving a small space between each of the Fabric A Squares. Press the seam allowance toward the 1-1/2" strip.
 2) With the rotary cutter, carefully cut the Step 1 strip apart being sure that the cut is made straight along the side of the Fabric A square. In other words, make sure that the block stays square. Now, take these units, and piece them to the 1-1/2" strip of Fabric B, leaving a small space between each unit and being sure that the most recently pieced part of the block being the first part to be joined. Press the seam allowance toward the just added strip.
 Cut the Step 2 units apart as described above. Continue to add new strips, as described in Step 2, to the block, making sure that the strips are alternated between Fabric B and Fabric C every two "logs". After adding the new strip, press the seam allowance toward the most recently joined strip and making sure to cut the blocks even. Continue until the desired size is reached.

Piecing a Single Block

While the above technique shows several Log Cabin blocks being pieced at one time, the technique can be used to piece single blocks as well. Simple, sew the block to the correct 1-1/2" fabric strip and cut the strip to the correct length after the strip is joined.


Block Variations

The variations possible in the Log Cabin block are numerous giving the quilter many options limited only by the quilter's imagination. When combined with different block settings, the possibilities are infinite. Here are a few examples to get the creative process flowing.

The Log Cabin Block can be made with larger and fewer "logs".

Another popular variation is Court House Steps. In this version, the "logs" are sewn to the block on opposite sides rather than in a circular fashion as in the Log Cabin.

This Log Cabin block is made with many different fabrics thus giving it a scappy look. Two opposing sides of the block are pieced using light to medium fabrics, the other two opposing sides are pieced using medium to dark fabrics.

Rather than using a plain square for the center of the Log Cabin block, the quilter can use a pieced square for the center and have the logs "frame" the pieced block. When making this variation, the center square is increased in size and few strips are required.

In this variation, the width of the "logs" in the block are varied. These blocks, when set together, will give the illusion of curves.

Important: While all of these variations show the quilt blocks beginning with a square, there is no reason that the block couldn't begin with a triangle, diamond, hexagon, or any other shape.


Color-In Worksheet

Select the icon to get a layout sheet to color in.

Layout Ideas

Here are a few examples of different block settings for the Log Cabin block.

Straight Setting

Furrows
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Sunshine and Shadows
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Barn Raising
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© Susan E Traudt 1998


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