Little Fabric Shop Quilt: Log Cabin Blocks

Last month we selected fabrics for the Little Fabric Shop Quilt. Are you ready to start sewing? We can’t wait to begin this quilt! This month we are going to take you step-by-step in completing the Log Cabin Blocks. These blocks are located in the center of this quilt, and we will be making four in total. They are beginner friendly and a perfect place to begin our quilt making. Let’s first take a quick look at the history of the Log Cabin quilt block.

    

 

History of the Log Cabin Quilt Block

 

Log Cabin quilt blocks were popular in the late 1800’s. These blocks require minimal fabric and are very easy to put together. This quilt block was originally associated with Pioneers and their log cabin homes, however, by the end of the 19th century, they were a part of the Crazy Quilt fad. Fabrics made of velvet, silk, and satin were sewn together to create a rich and vibrant quilt. Ribbons were used to create the “logs” and this type of quilt was also know as a Ribbon Quilt.

With a square in the center of the block, rectangles (or logs) are pieced around it. Many times, a red or rich color is used in the center to represent a hearth in the cabin. Fabric color and block directional placement will allow for unique designs with this versatile quilt block.

 

Log Cabin Block Directions

 

Let’s get started! Below is a PDF pattern download with all the steps to create this block.

 

PDF Download: Log Cabin Block Directions

 

Definition of Finished Size

You will be creating four log cabin blocks. They will be a FINISHED SIZE of 12” x 12” each. When we use the term “FINISHED SIZE” that means when the block is sewn into the quilt. If the FINISHED SIZE of the block is 12” x 12”, then block prior to sewing it into the quilt will be 12 ½” x 12 ½” in size as we are using a ¼” seam allowance.

 

General Pattern Information

The is a beginner friendly block. All dimensions are written in height x width throughout the directions. It is important to read all the instructions prior to beginning this project. You will need a Cutting Ruler, Scissors, Rotary Cutter, Cutting Mat, Pins, Iron, Starch, Sewing Machine and a ¼-Inch Presser Foot.

 

¼-Inch Seam Allowance

A ¼-inch seam allowance will be used throughout the pattern unless otherwise indicated. It is important to use a “true” ¼-inch seam allowance. This will make all your piecing and seams come together quickly and easily.

Begin by using a ¼-inch presser foot. This type of presser foot will have a guide to align your fabric up against when sewing to maintain the ¼-inch seam allowance and help keep your stitches straight.

 

Next, you should make sure that you are sewing a true ¼-inch seam. To check this, cut three strips of fabric to 1½-inches wide.

 

Sew the strips together using your ¼-inch seam allowance.

 

Press back the sewn fabric.

 

Measure the center fabric strip. If it is measures to 1-inch. You are good to go.

If it is a little bigger or smaller than 1-inch, adjust your needle to create the 1-inch seam.

 

If you are using a straight stitch sewing machine such as a Juki 2010Q or a Janome 1600P QC, a cloth guide can be attached to the sewing machine and adjusted left or right to allow for the perfect ¼-inch seam allowance.

 

 

Fabric Requirements

The table below indicates the fabric requirements for the ENTIRE quilt. Additionally, it provides information on the color names and the color letters. We recommend quilter’s weight cotton for this project. We used Cotton + Steel Basics fabric. We have also created a fabric bundle for this quilt and all of the fabrics follow the monthly instructions exactly.

 

Cutting Requirements

Use the Block Layout Guide below along with the Cutting Chart to cut out all the fabrics. It is helpful to press and starch your fabric prior to cutting and sewing. This will allow for more accurate cuts and also stability when piecing the fabrics together.

 

Fabric Sides

We will use the corresponding color to the block to indicate the Right Side of Fabric (RSF). White will indicate the Wrong Side of Fabric (WSF).

 

Assemble Log Cabin Blocks

Below is a guide demonstrating how all the log cabin blocks will be laid out. You will create 4 individual Log Cabin Blocks.

 

STEP 1: Sew Blocks 1 & 2

Place BLOCK 2 on top of BLOCK 1 with RSF facing each other.

Sew blocks together using a ¼-inch seam allowance.

 

Press seam towards Block 2. Repeat for the remaining 3 blocks.

 

STEP 2: Sew Block 3 to Blocks 1 & 2

Place BLOCK 3 on top of sewn Blocks 1 & 2 with RSF each other.

 

Sew as diagramed below and press seam towards Block 3. Repeat for the remaining 3 blocks.

 

STEP 3: Attach Block 4

Place BLOCK 4 on top of sewn Blocks 1, 2, & 3 with RSF each other. Sew as diagramed below.

 

Press seam towards Block 4. Repeat for the remaining 3 blocks.

 

STEP 4: Attach Block 5

Place BLOCK 5 on top of sewn Blocks 1, 2, 3 & 4 with RSF each other. Sew as diagramed below.

 

Press seam towards Block 5. Repeat for the remaining 3 blocks.

 

STEP 5: Attach Block 6

Place BLOCK 6 on top of sewn Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 with RSF each other. Sew as diagramed below.

 

Press seam towards Block 6. Repeat for the remaining 3 blocks.

 

STEP 6: Attach Block 7

Place BLOCK 7 on top of sewn Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 with RSF each other. Sew as diagramed below.

 

Press seam towards Block 7. Repeat for the remaining 3 blocks.

 

STEP 7: Attach Block 8

Place BLOCK 8 on top of sewn Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 with RSF each other. Sew as diagramed below.

 

Press seam towards Block 8. Repeat for the remaining 3 blocks.

 

STEP 8: Attach Block 9

Place BLOCK 9 on top of sewn Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 with RSF each other. Sew as diagramed below. Press seam towards Block 9. Repeat for the remaining 3 blocks.

 

STEP 9: Attach Block 10

Place BLOCK 10 on top of sewn Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 with RSF each other. Sew as diagramed below. Press seam towards Block 10. Repeat for the remaining 3 blocks.

 

STEP 10: Attach Block 11

Place BLOCK 11 on top of sewn Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 with RSF each other. Sew as diagramed below. Press seam towards Block 11. Repeat for the remaining 3 blocks.

 

STEP 11: Attach Block 12

Place BLOCK 12 on top of sewn Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 with RSF each other. Sew as diagramed below. Press seam towards Block 12. Repeat for the remaining 3 blocks.

 

STEP 12: Attach Block 13

Place BLOCK 13 on top of sewn Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 with RSF each other. Sew as diagramed below. Press seam towards Block 13. Repeat for the remaining 3 blocks.

 

Next Steps

You should have a total of four Log Cabin Blocks. Set these four blocks aside for now. In the future, we will give you instructions on how to use these blocks to create the quilt top. Stay tuned!

 

Join in the Quilting Fun!

We hope that you continue our ten-month Little Fabric Shop Quilt journey. Follow along with Instagram #littlefabricshopquilt so that we can see your progress and be inspired by your work. Stay up to date on this event and all the happenings at Little Fabric Shop by signing up for our Newsletter located on the bottom of our homepage. Happy Sewing!!