Log Cabin Quilt Block Tutorial

The log cabin is one of the most basic quilt blocks. There are also several variations – Half Log Cabin, Star Log Cabin and Court House Steps.

Here is what your basic Log Cabin block looks like

Traditionally they are done with light and dark value fabrics, but truly anything goes. Check out this Flickr Group that is just for Log Cabins, you can also check out Sunni’s modern take on a Log Cabin block here.
Get the know how after the jump!

For my block I used a total of 6 fabrics. I start with a small light print that had both red and green in it and added three more reds, each slightly darker than the previous and two greens.

*Remember to always use a 1/4 inch seam*

Cutting:

Small print or solid (center square): 2.5 in square
Light red strips: 1 – 2.5 in square, 1 – 2.5 in x 4.5 in
Medium red strips: 1 – 2.5 in x 6.5 in, 1 – 2.5 in x 8.5 in
Dark red strips: 1 – 2.5 in x 10.5 in, 1 – 2.5 in x 12.5 in
Light green strips: 1 – 2.5 in x 4.5 in, 1 – 2.5 in x 6.5 in
Medium green strips: 1 – 2.5 in x 8.5 in, 1 – 2.5 in x 10.5 in

Construction: Using your two 2.5 inch squares sew them together

Next you will start adding fabrics around the edges:

Add your first green strip:

Add your second green strip:

Add your first medium red strip:

Add your second medium red strip to block:

Add your first medium green strip to block:

Add your second medium green strip to block:

Add your first dark red strip to block:

Add your final dark red strip to block:

You have just completed a log cabin block! This is one of your most basic and versatile blocks in quilting. Different color and fabric combos allow you to do so much, please do not think of this as traditional or not modern because it can be anything you want it to be!