Log Cabin Quilt Block Tutorial

Log Cabin is a beautiful traditional quilt block. It is easy to adapt to different sizes and can be used in many different quilt layouts. Learn how to make the traditional block and get ideas for using it in quilts.

See it All

Below you will find:

• fabric requirements
• video tutorial
• step-by-step written tutorial with pictures
• instructions for different sizes
• inspiration for using the block in a quilt

Fabric Requirements

These sizes make a finished 9″ block. For other size options, scroll down or get the Log Cabin Inspiration Workbook.

You will need light and dark fabrics. The sample is a scrappy block so there are many different fabrics used.

From both fabrics, you need one each of:

• 1-1/2″ square
• 1-1/2″ x 2-1/2″
• 1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″
• 1-1/2″ x 4-1/2″
• 1-1/2″ x 5-1/2″
• 1-1/2″ x 6-1/2″
• 1-1/2″ x 7-1/2″
• 1-1/2″ x 8-1/2″

From the light fabric, you need an additional 1-1/2″ x 9-1/2″.

Video

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Tutorial

See each step in the process, with images to help guide you.

Layout the pieces

Layout the pieces with the light square in the middle. The bars are placed moving around the centre square as shown in the picture, with light on one corner and dark on the opposite corner.

When you lay out the pieces, don’t panic that they don’t seem to fit together. This is because of the seam allowances. It will work out fine.

Make the first round

First seam

Join the two squares with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Press the seam to the dark fabric.

After they are joined, the piece should be 2-1/2″ long. Take a second and measure it.

If the piece is too long or too short, adjust your seam allowance. This will help the block go together more easily and more accurately.

First bar

Next, add the dark 2-1/2″ piece.

Press this seam under the dark fabric.

Second bar

Add the light 2-1/2″ strip to the side with the dark strip and the light square.

Press this seam toward the light strip. Pressing all the seams towards the strips will keep the block flatter.

Third bar

Add the light 3-1/2″ strip to the final side of the starting square.

This is the end of the first round.

Continue making rounds

Add the rest of the strips in the same way, moving around the centre piece.

If your seam allowances are accurate, it will be obvious which strip goes on next because it will be the right size.

Continue to press all seams towards the strips that are added on, regardless of light and dark.

The light 9-1/2″ strip will complete the fourth round.

The final block should be 9-1/2″ square.

This is only one option. Check out this post for many different variations of the log cabin quilt block. They are all made in the same basic way.

Special note

It doesn’t really matter if you add the blocks in a clockwise or counterclockwise order, but keep it consistent throughout your quilt project.

Make the block any size

It is easy to make this block in whatever size you want.

Because you can use different sizes of centre square, different strip widths and different numbers of rounds, there is not an exact formula.

The easiest way to figure out the block you want is to sketch it on graph paper. Just don’t forget to add the seam allowances when you cut out the pieces.

Example – 12″ block

These measurements are for a block that finishes at 12″, has strips of 1-1/2″ and a centre square of 3″.

Join the pieces in the same way as the tutorial, working around the centre square adding the strips in order.

Log cabin block in Quilts

There are many ways to lay out this block.

The blocks can be laid out in the same orientations.

Or they can be laid out in alternating orientations to make diagonal rows.

This layout is like the traditional barn raising design.

When they are rotated in different directions, it is almost like pinwheels.

Colour Options

Of course, if you play with colour, there are a lot more possibilities.

Check out this post for log cabin quilt variations.

Quilt Patterns

Log Cabin is part of the Dreams Come True quilt pattern.

Have fun with the Log Cabin quilt block!

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