Log Cabin

The Log Cabin is probably one of the most popular quilt blocks.  The design is built around a square in the center of the block.  Piecing the Log Cabin is to use no pattern, but to build strips around the center square, cutting your strips off as you reach the edge of the center unit.  The block grows until the number of strips equal the size of the desired block.  Please note the method is not exact and it will be difficult for you to predict the finished size of the block.  What if a certain size is needed to fit a quilt or other project?  You must understand how to draft a pattern.  And could cut individual templates.  If strips are sewn on and cut off when you reach the edge of the center piece, the block is apt to get wavy around the edges and not to lay flat.

Carefully study the log cabin pattern shown, there is a square in the middle which appears to be the isolated from the rest of the block.  The square may be large or small.  The square does not have to be the same size as the logs or twice the width of the logs.  In addition to the middle square, there is almost always four logs.  Each log is parallel to one side of the square.

Log Cabin Block Pattern

For this block you will need 7 colors.  Color 1 is for the center block.  You will need three dark colors and three light colors.  This makes the traditional log cabin block.  This Block Pattern makes a 16 x 16-inch finished block.

When piecing, A2 is your center square.  Traditionally this center square is usually red but can be any color you choose, In the this block this square is 4 x 4-inch finished block, which is a square of fabric cut to 4 ½ x 4 ½ inches

All the following strips in this pattern are 2 ½ inch wide.  You may use a Jelly Roll or cut the fabric from fat quarters or yardage.

Strip A1 and A3 are your first dark color, A4 and A5 are first light color.  A6 and A7 second dark color, A8 and A9 are second light color.  A10 and A11 third dark color, A12 and A13 your final light color.

The Log Cabin is a very versatile block.  Depending on the direction you set your blocks can significantly change the look of your overall quilt.  Below you will find several examples.

Log Cabin Block

Traditional Log Cabin Quilt

Traditional Log Cabin Quilt

Light and Dark Sides set together

Log Cabin set with Light and Dark Corners Next to each other

Log Cabin Set in a Row

Log Cabin Blocks set in Rows