Building a Log Cabin

Over the years I have made more than a dozen log cabin quilts. Sometimes, the hardest part is knowing when to stop moving the blocks and start sewing them together. There are a number of different ways to construct these blocks. After much trial and error, I have found the most accurate way is to cut the strips to size and to square up each round as it is completed. This gives you truly square log cabin blocks at the end without cheating those last logs. It is easy to draw whatever size block you want on graph paper, then simply add 1/2" to both the side and end measurements to account for the seam allowances.

This page is not meant to be the last word in Log Cabin construction. It is simply a guide, and hopefully, an inspiration. These are some layouts for Log Cabin blocks. They include both traditional sets and those that have happened through experimentation.

Remember that a Log Cabin block is essentially a half square triangle, with a light and dark side. You can arrange these blocks in any tradition pattern that uses half square triangles. Try mixing them with solid blocks as well for even more variety. You can also use the Strips That Sizzle blocks in Log Cabin sets.

For a really fast method, sew together a set of strips, cut about 1 1/2"-2" wide and the length of the fabric. Make the band 1" wider than your desired finished block size. For example, if you want 5" blocks, make a 6" band. So if you sew four strips 2" wide together, you will get a 6" finished band. Sew one set of dark strips and one set of light strips. Put the bands face to face and cut 6" squares. If you put the light strips on top, you can now easily draw your sewing lines for a half square triangle. Sew and cut apart - you have two "fake" Log Cabin blocks! This is a great way to make charity quilts and still have fun in the design process.

Remember, too, that Courthouse Steps and Pineapple blocks are considered part of the Log Cabin family. There are also endless new variations to be achieved when you make the light and dark sides different widths. This results in what is known as the Curved Log Cabin and gives the visual illusion of rounded edges.

Barnrais.gif (2843 bytes)

One of the traditional sets - this is barn raising

Barnwow.gif (2844 bytes)

Barn Raising with the edges askew - adds some interest, doesn't it?

Chevron.gif (3075 bytes)

Reminds me of an old herringbone jacket- this chevron design can also benefit from alternating a different color in the columns

Clover.gif (2970 bytes)

This makes me think of clover

Furrow.gif (2816 bytes)

Another traditional set - this is Streak of Lightning

Clover2.gif (3066 bytes)

A variation on the clover set above. The arrow shapes will fall off the edge of the bed and point upwards

geese in a sq.gif (3055 bytes)

Flying geese peeking around a center square

hills&valleys.gif (2772 bytes)

A simple rotation of every other block, this set looks different each time you rotate the piece - see below

Loggeese.gif (3030 bytes)

You probably recognized this one - it's flying geese, set in the four opposing directions - vary the colors as well for a different look

Logs1.gif (2676 bytes)

Here's a log cabin in furrows but with every other block plain. Imagine the possibilities in other sets by using plain blocks

Logs2.gif (3030 bytes)

Sunshine and Shadow, a traditional set often used by the Amish

Logs6.gif (2796 bytes)

Same simple rotation as above - just wanted you to see what I meant

Mazing.gif (2792 bytes)

I call this the Wrench- because that's what it looked like to me - but this and Mazing below are really variations on the same theme - to make the corners look "solid" I used a Courthouse Steps block and colored three sections dark and one light

Navaho.gif (3082 bytes)

Navaho - not an authentic design of course, but it reminds me of Native American weaving patterns

Navaho2.gif (3066 bytes)

Navaho Variation

Star - this center star can sit with a barn raising design around it or you can use one of the four corner treatments shown

Straight Furrows - another traditional set	Which Way Is Up? - Just playing around with Geese and Lightning
Mazing	You could see an anvil here - or baskets - without the 4-patch background, you could appliqué flowers above the baskets.
Here's another Maze design - you could do it in Log Cabins or in half square triangles as shown here. The fun part is the Curved Log Cabin blocks which look like bubbles floating over the background, but which are actually pieced right in.	An old favorite - the Friendship Star - made out of Log Cabins and set with a Four Patch to make the Milky Way pattern.
Here's another variation on the Navaho look. With smaller blocks, you would achieve more repeats on the surface of the bed - or allow yourself a more complex wall hanging.	Blocks are made with Electric Quilt Check out their page

Here a few titles for Log Cabins books , many provided by Marion Ziegler from the EQ List.