October blog - Log Cabins

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 LOG CABIN


The Log Cabin Block is a very old block going back to ancient Greek and Roman empires. In Europe around the 1700s, it was known by names such as “Rooftop” and “Canadian Patchwork” among other names in architecture since it has geometer designs. It became popular in the United States in the 1860s and was associated with Abraham Lincoln as he was raised in a log cabin. It was used as a fundraiser during the civil war and possibly part of the underground railroad.   


The Log Cabin starts with a center block. The well known color of the center is red which represents the hearth/fireplace in the home that brings warmth. Another center color option is yellow which brings light from a window into the cabin. The alternating light and dark strips symbolizes day and night or different aspects of life (good vs. bad). 


How to Make (see diagram below):


(NOTE: If you use a pattern, start with the square it suggests. Usually patterns will give you sizes to cut your strips. However, several quilters just add the strip and cut off to even the ends. Then add the next strip)


  1. Start with a 2 ½” center square and another light square the same size. Sew them together. Can use smaller or larger size squares. Press 

  2. Sew a light strip to the first/second strip. Trim and press

  3. Add a dark strip to the third/first strip. Trim and press

  4. Keep adding strips, always going in the same direction (clockwise or counter clockwise). Trim and press. 

  5. Continue until reaching the size you want. 


Another hint, you might want to square as you go. I will do that. Sometimes strips get distorted as some strips might be on the bias. Just be careful as you sew around.






The Log Cabin is very scrap friendly. You can use all sorts of fabrics from holiday fabrics, to floral, to colors in the same family with different patterns. Triple-Play on Missouri Star U-Tube shows three ways of making a log cabin quilt. One is a black and white star quilt. Another is using a fourth of a log cabin with the center in a corner. Another is using around a house as a frame. The use of a log cabin design is endless. Here are some examples:









half blocks




wonky




The next few are modern Log Cabins








Courthouse Step Block


A variation of the Log Cabin is the Courthouse Block. Instead of light on one side and dark on the other, the Courthouse has light on two sides with dark on two sides; opposite each other.






Similar to making the Log Cabin, the center fabric and the two dark squares on each side are the exact same size; any size you want to start with. Then you add two light strips the same length on each side of the center. Then two dark strips on the other two ends. Keep adding strips until you have the size you want.


Log Cabin blocks can be used in your borders or as a four patch or larger block as a filler. Using around a fussy cut or a panel is another idea. Use your imagination! I personally have never made a Log Cabin quilt. I have added this to my bucket list. Now to decide which one or maybe I will use as a filler or in a border. I would love to see your quilts for inspiration. Please share. As always, have fun and enjoy the process.


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