How to Set Up a Quilt Log Cabin

The Log Cabin quilt pattern is a classic dating to the 1860s. The pattern starts with a center square as a focal point. Strips of fabric are added to the center square with dark fabrics group to one side and lighter colored fabrics arranged on the opposite side. The Log Cabin quilt was hung outside safe houses during the days of the Underground Railroad.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vellum
• Pencil
• Straight edge

1. Assemble the materials to begin paper piecing the quilt. Measure a perfect square on a sheet of vellum. Find the exact center of the square and outline the center square of the quilt block.

2. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner of the measured quilt square, dissecting the center square. Determine how many fabric strips will adjoin either side of the center square and the width of each of these strips.

3. Draw the first fabric strip to the left of the center block. Mark the second fabric strip across the top of the center block and the first fabric strip. Continue by drawing the third strip down the right side of the center block. Make all the strips the same length.

4. Continue drawing the strips to increase the size of the square. Finish by lettering or numbering the strips to coordinate with the fabrics. Label the center block A or 1. Continue around the center block with B, C, D or 2, 3, 4, etc.

5. Note how the diagonal line dissects the finished drawn square. Select fabrics for each piece based on the light-dark half of the square. Use the same fabric for the same strip in subsequent pieces for uniformity.

6. Use the drawn pattern as a template for cutting the quilt pieces. Cut each piece with a 1/4 inch seam allowance all around, or add 1/2 inch to both the length and width.