Speedy Log Cabin Tutorial

There are several methods of making log cabin blocks including the paper piecing method but for Miss Instant Gratification here is the fast and dirty method I use.

I don't wash fabrics before I use them as this takes time. I also like the wrinkly effect after washing the finished product for the first time. However there is a risk of colours bleeding, especially with reds.

Happily the fastest way of cutting up the fabric is also the most accurate. I use a cutting board, rotary cutter and clear ruler with inch markings. Quilters seem to baulk at metric in a similar way to midwives measuring newborns' weight.

Select a colour theme and a bunch of fabrics. I like bright contrasting fabrics which make this traditional design look very modern. Then cut lots of strips of fabric. How many you need depends on the size of the project and the number of different fabrics. Go crazy if you're making a quilt, control yourself if you're just making a cushion. Although it doesn't really matter as log cabin is so fun you'll want to make more.

The strips I cut for my latest project are only 1" - probably the smallest you would want to go. I used 1 1/2" strips for the Bebe Robbo quilt.

Start with a square for the middle. It is important to cut this very square as it is the foundation of the block.

Traditional log cabin designs use red for the middle to symbolise the hearth. This appeals to my cancerian homebody soul so I've used red for all the projects I've done so far. Cut as many red squares as you need for your project to save time.

Now you can start making your square. Start with the first strip and hold it right sides together with your first square. Line up the top of the strip with the square and leave the rest of the strip hanging over.

Now carefully cut the strip straight accross the end of the square. I use scissors for speed but if you are using wider strips or are a perfectionist then use the rotary cutter and ruler.

Press the squares open. You can use fingers for speed or again, for accuracy press open with an iron.

Continue in this way, sewing and pressing open in a circular order around the square. If you get confused there is an animation of the order to add strips here.

I use a special sewing machine foot for a quarter inch seam. Again its super speedy and more accurate.

Be careful to make sure the seams are flat as you go around, folding the seams in the same direction.

 

When you have added enough strips to get the size you want and your square is...square, press your block flat if you haven't already. And Voila!

Soon you will not be able to stop.

And for the knitters - don't feel left out!

Comments

[Flibbertygibbet]

Fabulous! I mean = noooo! I'm supposed to be working today. Now all I want to do is cut up fabrics for the day and get going on the quilt.

Excellent news about the house, btw. I can recommend some decorators to avoid...

[beki]

I'm a speedy log cabin maker as well. Those are such cute color combos you used!

[ginny]

thanks for the inspiration. i think i might make a pillow this afternoon! instant gratification indeed.

[di]

thanks for the tutorial- I hadn't realised it's so easy... I'll have to dream up a project to give it a shot! (oh, and find some time..)

[Lisa]

Thank you for your posting. It was very helpful. I'm working on my first log cabin quilt. It's going to be a baby quilt for my son.

[mariarrosa]

Thank you very much!!! What a nice tutorial! Now I want to make a log cabin quilt.