Hello, and welcome to the Log Cabin Quilt Block Classics tutorial. We'll be exploring the classic log cabin quilt block, learning a little about it's history, and sewing a 12" sample block.
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| Log Cabin Quilt Block |
If you've been quilting for any time at all, you've probably seen or sewn a Log Cabin block. There are many, many versions of this block. Some are skinny, some are wonky, some are modern, but all originate from the classic Log Cabin block. The Log Cabin block starts with a center square and builds out and around from the center with "logs" of fabric. The center square is traditionally red, to represent the hearth of the cabin. The block is normally constructed with one half of the fabrics in a dark value and the other half of the fabric in a light value, split diagonally, across the block. This allows the quilter to create a large variety of quilt patterns, all using the same, basic block.
I'm not sure how "printable" this image is here, from the blog, but this is a Log Cabin coloring page using the same block layout we're sewing today. For more free and downloadable quilt coloring pages, sign up for my newsletter. There is a sign up form on the right hand side of my blog and also at the bottom of this post.
Now, let's sew the Log Cabin block!
I went to my stash for the fabrics used in my block. Log Cabin is an excellent stash busting scrap quilt block. You will need a red or pink fabric for the center square, six light value fabrics, and six dark value fabrics.
Cutting Info:
Red/Pink:
Cut 1 ea. 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" square A
Light Value Fabrics:
Cut 1 ea. 2" x 3-1/2" strip B
Cut 1 ea. 2" x 5" strip C
Cut 1 ea. 2" x 6-1/2" strip D
Cut 1 ea. 2" x 8" strip E
Cut 1 ea. 2" x 9-1/2" strip F
Cut 1 ea. 2" x 11" strip G
Dark Value Fabrics:
Cut 1 ea. 2" x 5" strip C
Cut 1 ea. 2" x 6-1/2" strip D
Cut 1 ea. 2" x 8" strip E
Cut 1 ea. 2" x 9-1/2" strip F
Cut 1 ea. 2" x 11" strip G
Cut 1 ea. 2" x 12-1/2" strip H
Here we sew!
Sew one Light 2" x 3-1/2" strip B to the Red/Pink 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" square A.
Turn the block a quarter turn, clockwise. Sew one Light 2" x 5" strip C to this side of the block.
Turn the block a quarter turn, clockwise. Sew one Dark 2" x 5" strip C to this side of the block.
Turn the block a quarter turn, clockwise. Sew one Dark 2" x 6-1/2" strip D to this side of the block.
Turn the block a quarter turn, clockwise. Sew one Light 2" x 6-1/2" strip D to this side of the block.
Turn the block a quarter turn, clockwise. Sew one Light 2" x 8" strip E to this side of the block.
Turn the block a quarter turn, clockwise. Sew one Dark 2" x 8" strip E to this side of the block.
Turn the block a quarter turn, clockwise. Sew one Dark 2" x 9-1/2" strip F to this side of the block.
Turn the block a quarter turn, clockwise. Sew one Light 2" x 9-1/2" strip F to this side of the block.
Turn the block a quarter turn, clockwise. Sew one Light 2" x 11" strip G to this side of the block.
Turn the block a quarter turn, clockwise. Sew one Dark 2" x 11" strip G to this side of the block.
Turn the block a quarter turn, clockwise. Sew one Dark 2" x 12-1/2" strip H to this side of the block.
Your Log Cabin block is complete! Sew a few and play with them. Turn the blocks in different directions and see the beautiful results you can create with a few simple blocks.
Be Creative ~ Sew Something Beautiful Today!
Jennifer Thomas
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