Log Cabin Quilt Block Pattern

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Sewing a log cabin quilt block is a classic quilting technique that involves adding strips of fabric around a central square to create a block. Here are the steps to sew a log cabin quilt block:

Materials:

• Fabric strips in various colors and prints
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Quilting ruler
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Iron and ironing board

Instructions:

1. Choose a fabric for the center square of your block. Cut it to the desired size using your rotary cutter, cutting mat, and quilting ruler. For example, if you want a 12-inch block, cut a 4-inch square.

2. Choose a strip of fabric for the first round. This strip should be longer than the side of the center square it will be attached to. For example, if your center square is 4 inches, the first strip could be 2 inches wide and 6 inches long.

3. Place the strip right side up on the center square, aligning the raw edges of the strip with one side of the square. Pin in place.

4. Sew the strip to the square using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

5. Press the strip away from the center square with your iron.

6. Repeat steps 2-5 with a new strip of fabric for each round, working your way around the center square in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Trim each strip to the correct length before attaching it.

7. After adding several rounds of strips, your block will start to take shape. Continue until the block is the desired size.

8. When you have completed the block, press it well with your iron to set the seams and create a smooth surface.

Repeat the process for as many blocks as you need to complete your quilt. You can arrange the blocks in different ways to create different patterns, such as a checkerboard or diamond design. Once all of your blocks are sewn, you can join them together to create a beautiful log cabin quilt.

How to Resize Quilt Blocks:

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the size of your finished quilt block. You can come to a decision based on a number of factors: doubling a pattern, cutting your pattern in half, or choosing the size based on your available fabric.

NOTE: When working from a pattern’s cutting instructions, make sure you remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For instance, if your pattern calls for 3-1/2″ squares, first you’ll subtract the sum of the seam allowances (1/2″), double the finished block size (from 3″ to 6″), and add the seam allowance back in (1/2″). So, when all is said and done, you will cut a 6-1/2″ piece of fabric.

Resizing Square Blocks:

Square blocks are the easiest to resize. Simply add to your finished block measurement. For example, if you’d like your finished block to be a 4″ square, you’ll need to cut a 4-1/2″ square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks:

Similarly to the square, for rectangle blocks, you’ll add to the length and width measurements of your finished block. If you’re doubling block that measures 3″ x 4″ in your quilt, you’ll cut a 6-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ rectangle of fabric.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks:

When you want to change the size of a Half-Square Triangle block, add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. To make a 4″ finished block, you’d cut 4-7/8″ squares.

Resizing Quarter Square Triangle:

Since there are two cut lines and two seam lines in a Quarter-Square Triangle block you’ll need to add 1-1/4″ to the desired finished block size. For a finished block that’s 4″, you’d cut your squares 5-1/4″.