Free Pattern - Log Cabin Quilt Block

By: Elaine Huff

The Log Cabin quilt block is a timeless classic that has been a staple in quilting for generations. This 10.5" square block is built from a central square and strips—called “logs”—that radiate outward in a spiral, creating a bold, graphic design with deep traditional roots.

Whether you go for high-contrast lights and darks or a more scrappy, blended approach, the Log Cabin block offers endless layout possibilities, from Barn Raising and Straight Furrows to Chevron and Fields & Furrows. It’s a wonderfully versatile block that works beautifully in everything from antique-inspired quilts to fresh, modern designs.

Sewing a Log Cabin block is fairly easy – just straight sewing. However, it is important to have an accurate 1/4″ seam allowance. For my example, I’m using 2″ strips and squares, but you can use whatever size you like. Traditionally, half of the strips are lighter and half are darker but I’ve seen gorgeous quilts made with all light tone-on-tone beiges/whites and ones made with only one color – like all your green scraps.

Fabric Requirements for a 10.5" Finished Log Cabin Quilt Block:

1 dark pink 2″ square for the middle
1 white print 2″ square
1 white print 2″ x 3.5″ rectangle
1 pink print 2″ x 3.5″ rectangle
1 pink print 2″ x 5″ rectangle
1 yellow print 2″ x 5″ rectangle
1 yellow print 2″ x 6.5″ rectangle
1 blue print 2″ x 6.5″ rectangle
1 blue print 2″ x 8″ rectangle
1 green print 2″ x 8″ rectangle
1 green print 2″ x 9.5″ rectangle
1 black print 2″ x 9.5″ rectangle
1 black print 2″ x 11″ rectangle

It is important to cut out the rectangles before sewing instead of just sewing a strip onto the center unit and then trimming off the extra. My mom made a log cabin quilt from a kit (this was before kits were even a thing!) and she decided to just sew the strips to the center unit and then trim it off. Well, we all know fabric can stretch a bit. Unfortunately, she wound up not having enough of one of the fabrics to finish the last block – auugghh! We’ve probably all been there at some point. Good news – the company that sold her the kit had a comparable fabric that she used. Unless I look really hard, I can’t tell where the odd fabric is!

Sewing Directions:

Step 1:

Sew the 2 squares together and press the seam allowance. For this block I recommend pressing the seam allowances away from the center of the block. It’s also a good idea to check the size of the center unit after you press each seam.

Step 2:

Next you sew the 2″ x 3.5″ white print to the right side of the unit you made above. Press the seam allowance away from the center of the block.

Step 3:

Now you will sew the pink print 2″ x 3.5″ rectangle to the bottom of the unit you just made.

Step 4:

You will continue sewing the rectangles to the center unit in a clockwise sequence until you’ve completed the block. Also continue pressing the seam allowances away from the center of the block and checking the size of units.

Step 5:

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Step 12:

Layout Ideas:

Here's the basic 4 x 4 layout with colors similar to the tutorial. Notice that the black fabric makes a built in sashing.

In this example every other block is rotated to make a diagonal strip design.

Rotate the blocks differently to achieve this look.

This version creates a medallion design.

And here's a chevron design.

Years ago I made a custom quilt using the same design from another quilt that my customer owned. I know I took a picture of it but can't find it now. I think this is the layout that is heart-themed.

Conclusion:

I really had fun sewing this block together and it used up some of my 2" strips! Win-win! I really need to make an entire quilt with my strip scraps.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial for a Log Cabin quilt block. If you want to see more tutorials as they come out, simply click HERE to sign up for my newsletter and get a free PDF quilt pattern called "Chained Weathervane".

Happy Quilting!

Elaine

P.S. You can find other tutorials for Log Cabin block variations at https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/tagged/log-cabin-variations

P.P.S. Check out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabric406