Log Cabin Quilt Block Tutorial + Inspiration

As I mentioned last week, Riley Blake Designs decided to have an impromptu Classic Quilt Block challenge on Instagram. Each Monday they post a new block – this week the block is the Log Cabin Quilt Block – one of my favorites!

A few people have asked me how to join this challenge or if there is an official pattern they should be following. The answer is: this is pretty informal -just for fun and a way to learn how to make some classic quilt blocks along the way. I’m making blocks in 6″ x 6″ and 12″ x 12″ sizes. When we’re done in about 12 weeks I’ll be putting mine together into a simple picnic quilt. So while there is nothing official, I will be sharing how to put the blocks together at the end, if you want to play along. 

Last week’s block was a Churn Dash Block – you can find the tutorial here.

Log Cabin Quilt Block Instructions

This week Rachel from Citrus and Mint put together a great log cabin quilt block tutorial and cutting instructions for making a 6″ x 6″ and 12″ x 12″ traditional Log Cabin quilt block. Both sizes were really fun to make.

(Please keep in mind when – especially when piecing the 6″ x 6″ version to use a scant 1/4″ seam allowance, or your block will shrink with that many seams.)

You can find the free Log Cabin Quilt Block instructions here

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While we’re talking Log Cabin quilts, I thought I’d share a few of mine for some inspiration for using this block.

Log Cabin quilts are one of my all time favorites to make. I had so much fun making this spring-vintage-inspired pastel log cabin version last spring.

Log cabin blocks are also a great way to use up scraps. I talked a little more about the process for making these blocks here. I especially love to chain piece log cabin quilt blocks if I’m making a lot at once.

Here are a few other variations. There are so many ways to play with this classic technique!

This is a traditional Log Cabin quilt where the blocks are set on point is part of a book about Log Cabin Quilts.

This quilt is made from a traditional Courthouse Steps variation of the Log Cabin quilt block for a version sometimes called Chinese Lanterns. (You can read more about this quilt here.)

There are lots of variations on a classic Log Cabin block:

I made this scrap-buster modern wonky Log Cabin Quilt using only scraps from my red and white scrap bin. This one is pieced the same way you’d made a traditional Log Cabin block, but in a more freefrom Improv Style using this method.

Here’s another variation – this one is hand-pieced quilt-as-you-go style and is called a traditional Manx quilt block. If you’ve never tried it, I recommend trying one. It’s such a great hand-work project.

What about you? Have you ever made a log cabin quilt? I’m thinking it would be fun to make a big one with the 12″ x 12″ blocks. I guess I’ll have to add it to the list!