Offset Log Cabin Quilt Block Tutorial
The Offset Log Cabin block is almost the same as the regular log cabin block, but the light and dark bars are different widths. This results in a curved look, more or less depending on how much the difference is.
Make a 9″ block with this tutorial.
Fabric Requirements
This block uses two fabrics, a light and a dark. Cut one of each piece.
Dark fabric:
- 3-1/2″ square
- 2-1/2″ x 4-1/2″
- 2-1/2″ x 6-1/2″
- 2-1/2″ x 7-1/2″
- 2-1/2″ x 9-1/2″
Light fabric:
- 1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″
- 1-1/2″ x 4-1/2″
- 1-1/2″ x 6-1/2″
- 1-1/2″ x 7-1/2″
Block Assembly
If you’ve done a traditional log cabin block, this layout should look pretty familiar. The 3-1/2″ square is in the centre, and the bars rotate around with light on one corner and dark on the other.
Begin by joining the 3-1/2″ light piece.
Next join the 4-1/2″ light strip.
Then join the 4-1/2″ and 6-1/2″ dark pieces.
Repeat once more with the next round of strips ending with the 9-1/2″ dark strip.
The finished block should be 9-1/2″
Layout options
Because of the varying strip widths, it gives the impression of curves in the block and can be used in some fun quilt layouts.
Some of the traditional log cabin quilt layouts look totally different when the offset block is used.
It can also be used in place of a half-square triangle.
More quilt blocks
For more great quilt block tutorials, check out my Quilt Block Directory.