Master the Log Cabin block!

If you want to add the beloved Log Cabin block to your quilting repertoire and make a traditional quilt that’s sure to stand the test of time, you’ve come to the right place!

Below, leading technical quilting expert Lin Clements breaks down how to create this popular tried-and-tested design, so follow her step-by-step instructions and give the Log Cabin block a go today!

Looking for another block? Take a look at our quilt block library.

What is a Log Cabin block?

The Log Cabin design is a very old, traditional block design that is loved the world over and is probably one of the best-known patchwork blocks.

The block is very versatile and some stunning quilts can be created using it. There are many other designs that derive from Log Cabin or are variations of it, including Courthouse Steps and Pineapple.

The basic Log Cabin design is worked around a centre square, with strips added in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. The number of ‘logs’ or ‘rounds’ can be whatever you choose. The way that the strips are added can create a two-tone look to the block if one side uses predominantly dark colours and the other side uses light colours (see Fig 1).

Fig 1 – Basic Log Cabin block

The blocks are usually machine-pieced, but they can also be made using templates or with foundation paper piecing. Rotary cutting rulers are also available for cutting Log Cabin strips.

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The Log Cabin block and contrast

Much of the impact of a Log Cabin block is in the contrast between the two diagonal halves of the block. The contrast can be achieved in various ways, so experimentation is a good idea. As examples, you could try the following:

• Contrast light-coloured fabrics with dark-coloured ones.
• Contrast print fabrics with solids.
• Contrast big bold prints with low-volume prints.
• Contrast complementary colours, such as blue and yellow or red and green.

In both of the examples below, contrast is achieved between the two diagonal halves of the Log Cabin blocks by using light-coloured fabrics for one half and dark-coloured fabrics for the other:

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What block shape is used for the Log Cabin?

The overall shape of the block is normally square, but it can also be a rectangle, diamond, triangle or other polygons.

The width and length of the strips dictate the final shape and size. The strips can all be the same width or variable widths to create an off-centre look.

In order to end up with a neat block that is the size it is meant to be, it is best to calculate what length each strip needs to be and pre-cut the strip. If you sew on random strip lengths and trim them down to match the block, you might find that the block ends up an irregular size.

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Log Cabin block centres

There is also a great deal of choice about the shape and piecing of the centre. This doesn’t have to be square but could be a rectangle, triangle, diamond or other polygon.

The centre can be pieced if you wish, using simple units such as half-square triangles and quarter- square triangles.

Did you know: Traditionally, the centre square was made from red fabric, which was supposed to represent the hearth of the home, though there are heritage examples that use other colours.

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How to sew a Log Cabin block with measured strips

Here, we look at how to sew the basic Log Cabin block. The instructions show a block with two complete rounds, giving eight logs in total. The logs are added in an anti-clockwise direction.

Step 1

Select your fabrics

You will need one for the centre and two sets of contrasting strips – one set of dark strips and one set of light strips (or according to the contrast you have chosen).

For the block shown, we are going to cut the strips 21/2in wide, to give a finished block of 10in (101/2in unfinished), so pre-cut the following pieces.

• Centre – cut a 21/2in square.
• Strip 1 (dark) – cut a 21/2in square.
• Strip 2 (dark) – cut 21/2in x 41/2in.
• Strip 3 (light) – cut 21/2in x 41/2in.
• Strip 4 (light) – cut 21/2in x 61/2in.
• Strip 5 (dark) – cut 21/2in x 61/2in.
• Strip 6 (dark) – cut 21/2in x 81/2in.
• Strip 7 (light) – cut 21/2in x 81/2in.
• Strip 8 (light) – cut 21/2in x 101/2in.

Step 2

Take strip 1 (dark), pin it right sides together with the centre square and sew together using a scant 1/4in seam (use this seam throughout). Press the seam outwards (Fig 2A).

Step 3

Take strip 2 (dark), pin it right sides together with the centre/strip 1 and sew together as before. Press outwards (Fig 2B).

Step 4

Take strip 3 (light), pin it right sides together with the left-hand side of the block and sew. Press outwards (Fig 2C).

Step 5

Take strip 4 (light), pin it right sides together with the bottom of the block and sew. Press outwards (Fig 2D).

Step 6

Continue in this way to add the second round (strips 5, 6, 7 and 8), making sure you change to light or dark as needed (Fig 2E). Check the unfinished block is 101/2in square (Fig 2F).

Technical tip: You can play around with the placement of the dark and light strips to achieve different effects. You could even fussy cut a print to feature a selected motif.

Fig 2 – Piecing sequence for a Log Cabin block

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Sewing off-centre log cabin with measured strips

This variation of the Log Cabin block is easy to achieve and depending on the contrast, a circular look can be created. The block centre here is a half-square triangle unit. A single finished block is 6in (61/2in unfinished). Four blocks sewn together will make a larger block of 12in (121/2in unfinished).

Step 1

Select your fabrics

For the block shown, the dark strips have been cut 2in wide and the light strips 11/4in wide. For one block, cut the following pieces – you will need four quantities of each for all four blocks.

• Strip 1 (dark) – 2in square.
• Strip 2 (dark) – 2in x 31/2in.
• Strip 3 (light) – 11/4in x 31/2in.
• Strip 4 (light) – 11/4in x 41/4in.
• Strip 5 (dark) – 2in x 41/4in.
• Strip 6 (dark) – 2in x 53/4in.
• Strip 7 (light) – 11/4in x 53/4in.
• Strip 8 (light) – 11/4in x 61/2in.

Step 2

For the HST unit in the centre, cut one light and one dark square, each 23/8in. If you use a two-at-once method to make these units, then these two squares will make two units. The unfinished units need to be 2in square.

Step 3

The sewing is the same as the basic Log Cabin block (Fig 3). Use scant 1/4in seams and press seams outwards. Check the unfinished block is 61/2in. Make another three blocks like this.

Fig 3 – Piecing sequence for an off-centre Log Cabin block

Step 4

Arrange the blocks as in Fig 4, sewing them together in pairs and then sewing the pairs together. Take care to match seams neatly.

Sewing a Log Cabin block with different strip widths can create interesting effects, such as this off-centre look. Here, there are four Log Cabin blocks made using light strips that are narrower than the dark strips. This relocates the centre patch (a half-square triangle unit) nearer to the corner of the block.

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Create Log Cabin blocks today

Build your skills by following Lin’s helpful steps and watch as the Log Cabin block becomes a new favourite!

Then let your creativity flow and mix and match different colours and prints to create a block that is completely unique!

Make a Log Cabin mini quilt

If you love the Log Cabin block as much as we do, why not give our Colour Cabins mini quilt a go? This design features bold and bright fabrics for a fresh take on the classic block and is the perfect project for using up fabrics in your stash!