How to Make a Twisted Cabin Quilt Block

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By S. A. Holt
eHow Contributing Writer

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Twisted Log Cabin Quilt

The log cabin quilt block is one of the most basic and popular patterns used today. It is easy to assemble, but can be graphic and versatile.Starting from a central square and growing through the addition of a series of strips, it usually ends as a square block. The interplay of color and value in the block offers the quilt designer some amazing quilt layout options. The addition of a shape variation to the traditional log cabin block adds another element to the design. This is a twist in more ways than one. The twisted log cabin block is three sided, not four sided. It also grows in a series of wedges, not strips, swirling around a central triangle. The careful use of color in this dynamic configuration results in startling and sometimes unforgettable quilts. The twisted log cabin quilt is remarkable because the finished pattern appears to curve, but no curved pieces are used.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Foundation
Twisted log cabin block pattern
40 Fat quarter fabrics
1 1/2 yards background fabric
Quilt layout
Tweezers

Select and Prepare the Fabric

Step 1

Invest in quality fabric. Some segments of the quilt are quite small, and quality will show.
Step 2

Select eight colors plus a neutral for the twisted log cabin layout. Most blocks will have four colors, one for each side of the triangle, and a neutral for the center.
Step 3

Choose fabrics that are vibrant and provide contrast.
Step 4

Use five different shades of each color ranging from light to medium.
Step 5

Place fabrics side-by-side to insure a good flow from one shade to the next.
Step 6

Wash all fabrics before using to reduce problems with shrinkage and colors bleeding.

Prepare the Foundation

Step 1

Plan the overall design you will be using for the quilt.
Step 2

Select a lightweight foundation. This block becomes dense and heavy because it has so many pieces, so reduce bulk where you can.
Step 3

Preshrink any foundation fabric you will be using.
Step 4

Mark the twisted log cabin block pattern on each foundation piece with a permanent marker, being careful to make it easy to see from the reverse.
Step 5

Note the location of each foundation piece on the layout. This will tell you which colors you will need for each block.
Step 6

Cut the foundation pieces using a generous seam allowance.

Sew The Twisted Log Cabin Block

Step 1

Sew each block completely before going on to the next. It's easy to get the color sequence confused, so staying with one block at a time is a good way to keep focused.
Step 2

Tighten up your stitch length or reinforce the beginning and ending of each seam. This will help keep the beginning and ending stitches intact.
Step 3

Trim each seam allowance to 1/8-inch. This will help eliminate bulk and avoid shadow through.
Step 4

Use tweezers to place and hold small pieces, and handle fabrics carefully to avoid distortion and raveling.
Step 5

Iron each piece after you sew it. The pieces start out so small that even a little distortion will cause problems later.

Assemble the Twisted Log Cabin Quilt

Step 1

Refer to your layout during each step of the assembly process.
Step 2

Lay out the entire quilt to verify the pattern has been stitched correctly. It will be a lot easier to fix a mistake now.
Step 3

Check each twisted log cabin block for color, configuration and shadow through.
Step 4

Assemble the quilt in rows.
Step 5

Trim seam allowances to 1/8-inch as you go.
Step 6

Apply a pleasing border, bind and quilt as desired.