How to make a Log Cabin Quilt Block
When most people think of a quilt, they usually think of a Log Cabin quilt.
Log cabin quilts have a rich tradition in America going back to the mid-1800’s and carried special symbolism:
“A red center symbolized the hearth of home and a yellow center represented a welcoming light in the window…a Log Cabin quilt with a black center hanging on a clothesline was meant to signal a stop for the Underground Railroad.” - Karen Griska
What you will need:
Sewing machine (unless you are planning to hand stitch)
Cutting Mat
Thread
Iron & Ironing Board
Machine Needle
Bobbins
Rotary Cutter
Quilting Ruler
Step 1:
Cut the following rectangles from Fabric A (white):
1 – 2.5” x 10.5” rectangle
1 – 2.5” x 8.5” rectangle
1 – 2.5” x 6.5” rectangle
1 – 2.5” x 4.5” rectangle
1 – 2.5” x 2.5” square
Cut the following rectangles from Fabric B (paisley):
1 – 2.5” x 12.5” rectangle
1 – 2.5” x 10.5” rectangle
1 – 2.5” x 8.5” rectangle
1 – 2.5” x 6.5” rectangle
1 – 2.5” x 4.5” rectangle
1 – 2.5” x 2.5” square
Step 2:
Lay out the squares as shown.
This will be your ‘map’ for assembling the Log Cabin.
Step 3:
Pin the two 2.5”x 2.5” squares RST and sew ¼” seam.
Press toward darker fabric.
Trim to 2.5” x 4.5” as needed.
Step 4:
A) Pin Fabric B (paisley) 2.5” x 4.5” rectangle RST to the unit you just made as shown.
Sew using ¼” seam along the LONG side of the rectangle.
Press toward darker fabric and trim to 4.5” x 4.5” as needed.
Step 5:
Pin Fabric A (white) 2.5” x 4.5” rectangle RST to the unit you just made as shown
Sew using ¼” seam along the LONG side of the rectangle.
Press toward lighter fabric and trim to 4.5” x 6.5” as needed.
Step 6:
Pin Fabric A (white) 2.5” x 6.5” rectangle RST to the unit you just made as shown
Sew using ¼” seam along the LONG side of the rectangle.
Press toward lighter fabric and trim to 6.5” x 6.5” as needed.
Step 7:
Pin Fabric B (paisley) 2.5” x 6.5” rectangle RST to the unit you just made as shown
Sew using ¼” seam along the LONG side of the rectangle.
Press toward darker fabric and trim to 6.5” x 8.5” as needed.
Step 8:
Pin Fabric B (paisley) 2.5” x 8.5” rectangle RST to the unit you just made as shown
Sew using ¼” seam along the LONG side of the rectangle.
Press toward darker fabric and trim to 8.5” x 8.5” as needed
Step 9:
Pin Fabric A (white) 2.5” x 8.5” rectangle RST to the unit you just made as shown
Sew using ¼” seam along the LONG side of the rectangle.
Press toward lighter fabric and trim to 8.5” x 10.5” as needed
Step 10:
Pin Fabric A (white) 2.5” x 10.5” rectangle RST to the unit you
just made as shown
Sew using ¼” seam along the LONG side of the rectangle.
Press toward lighter fabric and trim to 10.5” x 10.5” as needed
Step 11:
Pin Fabric B (paisley) 2.5” x 10.5” rectangle RST to the unit you
just made as shown
Sew using ¼” seam along the LONG side of the rectangle.
Press toward darker fabric and trim to 10.5” x 12.5” as needed
Step 12:
Pin Fabric B (paisley) 2.5” x 12.5” rectangle RST to the unit you
just made as shown
Sew using ¼” seam along the LONG side of the rectangle.
Press toward darker fabric
Log cabins can be repetitive, but they come together pretty quickly once you get going.
Step 13:
Trim to 12.5 x 12.5” if needed using your rotary cutter and quilting ruler.