Log Cabin Instructions


The log cabin instructions are easy to follow. To begin making a log cabin block you need to first select two sets of coloured fabric, preferably one light and the other dark. You also need to decide whether your central square will be red or not.


Below is a chart with your fabric strip requirements for an 8 1/2" completed block (8" when sewn into a quilt). As you can see I have chosen yellow and blue fabrics for these instructions.


Name

Fabric Strips

Fabric Color

A1

2 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Red

A2

2 1/2" x 1 1/2"

yellow

A3

3 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Yellow

A4

3 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Blue

A5

4 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Blue

A6

4 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Yellow

A7

5 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Yellow

A8

5 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Blue

A9

6 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Blue

A10

6 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Yellow

A11

7 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Yellow

A12

7 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Blue

A13

8 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Blue

Begin with your central square 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" red block. Following the diagram above sew each fabric strip on in order. It is best to press after each seam is sewn. When all the strips have been added your block should measure 8 1/2" square. Trim if needed. Well done, your first block is completed!

Log Cabin Tips

If all that calculating above doesn't appeal to you then you can use Marti Michell's log cabin rulers. I have used her templates to make several quilts and they make life a lot easier. You do need to read her instructions on how to use them first! Or ask at your local quilting shop how to use them!

  • Marti Michell has several log cabin rulers shown below. Using these takes the guessing and inaccuracy out of log cabins. There are several rulers and each has several different sizes of log cabins on them. I highly recommend buying one. 


  • Marti Michell has a superb log cabin book Log Cabin ABCs that offers a range of different log cabin patterns. You will be amazed at the variety and fun you will have when designing your log cabin quilt. The central square dimensions can match the widths of the strips. This has the effect of blending in the central square.
  • The log cabin instructions above lend themselves to chain piecing , where you are making multiple blocks at the same time. This is a more efficient and fun way to work. Place the central square A1 right side UP at your sewing machine. As you sew lay the first strip A2 face down and sew them together. Continue sewing all the A1 and A2's together without cutting any threads. Next, cut them apart and press them, ready for adding the A3 strip of the round.

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