To sew a log cabin pattern, start with a center square and sew fabric strips (“logs”) around it in order, turning the block a quarter turn after each strip, with lighter fabrics on two adjacent sides and darker fabrics on the other two. This version builds a 10 1/2 inch block (10 inches finished) from a 2 1/2 inch center and 1 1/2 inch strips, using a 1/4 inch seam.
Once you have made one block, you can arrange several into classic log cabin layouts such as Light and Dark, Barn Raising or Straight Furrows.
What You Need for One Block
- 1 center square, 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches (red or yellow is traditional)
- Light fabric strips, 1 1/2 inches wide, about 48 inches in total
- Dark fabric strips, 1 1/2 inches wide, about 56 inches in total
- Rotary cutter, ruler and mat
- Sewing machine with a 1/4 inch foot
- Iron
Cutting Chart
Cut every log 1 1/2 inches wide. Each round uses two light and two dark logs:
- Round 1: light 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 inches; dark 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 inches
- Round 2: light 4 1/2 and 5 1/2 inches; dark 5 1/2 and 6 1/2 inches
- Round 3: light 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 inches; dark 7 1/2 and 8 1/2 inches
- Round 4: light 8 1/2 and 9 1/2 inches; dark 9 1/2 and 10 1/2 inches
How to Sew the Block
- First log. Place the 2 1/2 inch light log right sides together on the right edge of the center square and sew with a 1/4 inch seam. Press the seam away from the center. The unit now measures 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches.
- Second log. Turn the unit a quarter turn clockwise, so the 3 1/2 inch edge that includes the first log is now on the right. Sew the 3 1/2 inch light log along that edge. Press. The unit is 3 1/2 inches square.
- Third and fourth logs. Keep turning a quarter turn clockwise and sewing on the right-hand edge. Sew the 3 1/2 inch dark log, then the 4 1/2 inch dark log. The unit is now 4 1/2 inches square, with light on two sides and dark on two.
- Keep building. Repeat for rounds 2, 3 and 4, always adding lights to the light sides and darks to the dark sides. After each round the unit grows by 2 inches: 6 1/2, 8 1/2 and finally 10 1/2 inches square.
- Square up. Press the finished block and trim it to 10 1/2 inches if needed.
Tips for Accurate Logs
- Check the unit size after every round; small seam errors add up quickly.
- Press every seam toward the newest log before adding the next one.
- If you prefer, sew each log from a long strip and trim it flush after sewing (“sew and flip, then trim”) instead of pre-cutting.
- Starch light fabrics so thin strips do not stretch.
Log Cabin Quilt Layouts
- Light and Dark: four blocks turned so their dark halves meet, forming a dark diamond.
- Barn Raising: blocks rotated to form concentric light and dark diamonds across the quilt.
- Straight Furrows: diagonal bands of light and dark running across the quilt.
- Sunshine and Shadows: alternating light and dark squares.
A lap quilt of 20 blocks set 4 x 5 finishes at 40 x 50 inches before borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What size strips for a log cabin block? 1 1/2 inch strips (1 inch finished) are the most common, but 2 or 2 1/2 inch strips make a bigger block faster.
- Which direction do you sew a log cabin? Either, as long as you turn the block the same way every time.
- Why is the center square often red? Traditionally it represents the hearth of the cabin.
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How to Sew a Log Cabin Pattern Block