LOG CABIN BLOCK
The log cabin block is a traditional block. It is made with a center block, which was known as the hearth, and a strip of fabric, the logs, surrounding the hearth. The block is made with contrasting colors, usually lights and darks. Traditionally the center square was a red fabric, but you can use any color you want. You will need to have a fabric cut into strips. For the block above I used one blue square for the center(hearth), three different blue fabric strips for the darks, and three different yellow fabric strips for the lights. Each color is used twice. For example, 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, each of those pairs use the same fabric.(See picture below.) The width of the strips are the same as the center square. For example if the center square is 2" finished, the width of the strips is 2". The length of the strips will vary depending on where they are located in the block. I prefer to cut long strips of fabric cutting them to the right size as I need them. Directions for making the log cabin block: 1. Cut the center square(#1). This should be a different fabric that the other strips. The size of the center square will effect the size of the finished block. 2. Place the light colored fabric strip (#2) on top of square 1, right sides together. Sew on the right side of the center square with a 1/4" seam allowance. Trim square 2 even with square 1. Finger press. 3. Place the same color light strip (#3) on top of the unit 1-2. Sew right sides together along the bottom of the unit. Trim strip even with unit. Finger press. 4. Place the first dark color strip (#4) on top of the new unit. Sew right sides together along the left side of the unit. Trim even with the unit. Finger press. 5. Place the first dark color strip(#5) on the top of the new unit. Sew right sides together along the top of the unit. Trim even with unit. Finger press. 6. Using the log cabin placement picture, continue sewing around the center square until you have the size block you want. 7. The size of the block can be altered by the width of the strips or the number of strips you u
This is the basic pattern for making a log cabin block. It can also be made with a larger center square. If you use a larger center square, the widths of your strips will be 1/2 that of your square. For example if your square is 3", your strips will be 1 1/2". For a log cabin quilt you will be using many log cabin blocks. There are a variety of ways to set your blocks, and each one will give your quilt a different look.
Return to "Traditional Quilt Blocks" from "Log Cabin Block".
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