How to Quilt With the Log Cabin Technique
The log cabin technique refers to a particular way of assembling blocks for a quilt. The pattern involves increasingly long strips of fabric surrounding a central square. A log cabin quilt is usually made from numerous blocks, although some quilters have completed a single, very large, log cabin block for quilts. It is a relatively simple technique that can be easily customized to the quilter's preferences for color and design.
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Things You'll Need
- Fabric
- Quilt batting
- Ruler or straight edge
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Sewing machine
- Pins
- Needle
- Thread
- Iron
Instructions
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Cut your fabric into strips. For the center square of each block, cut strips that are 3.5 inches wide. These strips should then be cut into 3.5-inch squares. Use your straight edge and cutting mat to ensure that you are cutting perfect squares. For the surrounding parts, cut two-inch strips.
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Begin sewing the strips. Sew a strip to the right side of your center square. Cut the strip to match the width of the center square. Press the seams away from the center. Turn the square to the left, and repeat for all remaining sides of the center square, pressing seams away from the center and trimming each strip to match the widths of the strips they are sewn to.
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3
Continue sewing strips. For each subsequent layer of strips, sew to the right side, trim and turn to the left, continually rotating the square in the same direction to attach each strip. Continue to press all seams away from the center. You should have at least four strips of fabric surrounding each side of the center square.
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Complete as many blocks as are required for the dimensions of your quilt. Assemble the blocks by sewing along one edge and pressing the seams in one direction. Measure the completed quilt top and cut fabric to be used as the backing. Sew the backing fabric seams to achieve the dimensions of the top. Assemble the quilt top, the batting and the backing by pinning all three layers together. If desired, use a needle and thread to quilt along the seams on the outsides of each log cabin block.
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Cut strips of fabric three inches wide for the binding. Sew the strips together to create long strips. Pin and sew the binding strips to the edges of the raw quilt, which should include the top, batting and backing. Press or steam the quilt to release any wrinkles or puckers.
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Tips & Warnings
Rotary cutters make the cutting process much easier and more accurate than scissors for quilters. They can produce precise straight cuts for log cabin quilts.
References
- Photo Credit Patchwork as a background 2 image by Lucy Cherniak from Fotolia.com
