• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Diary of a Quilter - a quilt blog
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Tutorials
  • My Quilts
  • Shop
  • Favorite Supplies
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Tutorials
  • My Quilts
  • Shop
  • Favorite Supplies
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Start Here
    • Tutorials
    • My Quilts
    • Shop
    • Favorite Supplies
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Blog » blocks

    Log Cabin Quilt Block Tutorial + Inspiration

    April 8, 2020 by Amy 14 Comments

    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 ¼″ seam allowance, or your block will shrink with that many seams.)

    You can find the free Log Cabin Quilt Block instructions here

    (link fixed)

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

    Vintage inspired Log Cabin Quilt

    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.

    Use fabric scraps to piece a Log Cabin quilt

    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!

    Log cabin quilt on point - pattern by Amy Smart

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

    Courthouse Steps log cabin quilt pattern by Amy Smart - use your scraps

    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:

    Red and White Modern Improv Log Cabin quilt - perfect for scraps

    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.

    How to Make a Manx Quilt Block featured by top US quilting blog, Diary of a Quilter

    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.

    How to Make and Use a Log Cabin Quilt Block

    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!

    Share this:

    • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
    • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
    • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
    • Click to print (Opens in new window)
    • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

    Related

    « Scrappy Pincushion Tutorial
    Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts »

    Filed Under: blocks Tagged With: Log Cabin Quilt Block

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rosemaryflower

      April 09, 2020 at 6:00 am

      thank you for these Amy. I am going to make some of these and make place mats. or a table topper. Something fun. I need to get a nice array of fabrics other wise it might look bad. Planning. I do not always take that into consideration ha
      Have a marvelous day. I got up at 5:30 to get to the grocery store for “senior shopping” at 6. I think I will be a veg all day now. vacuuming, sewing and treadmilling should be enough.
      Stay safe and healthy

      Reply
    2. Lea

      April 09, 2020 at 8:33 am

      Amy, your log cabin quilts are all stunning. There is just something about log cabin quilts isn’t there?

      I made a improv log cabin child’s quilt a few years ago from happy, cheerful scraps. And many years ago I made a queen size pineapple quilt (a log cabin variation).

      Reply
    3. Shalley Wakeman

      April 09, 2020 at 10:14 am

      I made kids quilts where the center block was 6.5″ and went from there. It was quick & fun! I keep thinking I will try making a more traditional block next!

      Reply
    4. Sandra B

      April 10, 2020 at 3:05 pm

      Thanks for sharing all the beautiful log cabin quilts! This pattern has always been a favorite, and you have inspired me to think about making a new one. Cannot wait to start digging through my stash to pick out the fabrics… I made a couple of log cabins years ago, but neither one is scrappy, so that will be the goal for a more updated version…and very scrappy for sure.
      Thanks again!
      Take care and stay well!

      Reply
    5. Jane Sprague

      April 11, 2020 at 5:51 pm

      Amy, I never get tired of the log cabin block. It’s incredibly versatile and so easy! It’s a great way to use up scraps or precuts. Not a lot of blocks can “say” that! Thanks so much for sharing that inspiration!! Stay well!

      Reply
    6. Margaret Connolly

      April 12, 2020 at 8:29 am

      I am relatively new at quilting and love your blog. I’m not sure how I found your blog but I am so happy I did. You make quilting fun and you keep it simple to understand. Thanks for doing this for us. I’m anxious about making my first log cabin quilt. Thanks again and I wish you and your family a Happy Easter and hope your son is feeling better soon.

      Reply
    7. Susan Backus

      April 12, 2020 at 11:15 am

      The Citrus and Mint link doesn’t open in the tutorial. Where can I get it please?

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 12, 2020 at 2:58 pm

        Ah, shoot. I hate when I do that! I fixed the link in the post (thanks so much for telling me!!) Here is the link to the tutorial as well: https://www.citrusandmintdesigns.com/blog/log-cabin-block-pattern-and-tutorial

        Reply
    8. Lillian K

      April 12, 2020 at 8:04 pm

      Hi there! I would love to print your tutorials. Is there a place on your site to print a PDF?? I find it hard to work/cu/sewt fabric, etc. from a computer screen.

      Reply
    9. June

      April 15, 2020 at 6:18 am

      I always like reading and get inspiration to sew when I open my e-mails and you are there. At a time like this as well as better times I enjoy seeing your site. Please keep it up.

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 15, 2020 at 9:40 am

        Thank you June!

        Reply
    10. Lisa

      March 21, 2021 at 9:40 am

      I am making the Manx Log Cabin that you taught us about. I have been working on it off and on for about two weeks now and I have 21 blocks completed. I am on the 22nd block. I think I am going for 48 blocks total. I am thoroughly enjoying the process of hand stitching these blocks. It is very relaxing and something that I can easily take with me wherever I go and while I watch tv which I rarely do. Thank you very much for sharing your experience on the Isle of Man with us and how to make these.

      Reply
      • Amy

        March 22, 2021 at 10:33 am

        That is wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing with me. I agree – those blocks are incredibly relaxing to make. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!

        Amy

        Reply
    11. Irene Kneale

      January 25, 2022 at 10:05 am

      Amy, I stumbled on your blog by accident but glad I did. I love the Manx block tutorial and its history…I plan on making some of these blocks soon. My husband is a native-born Manxman, and my paternal grandfather built a house and moved his family there around the time of world war 1. The island is one of the most beautiful places I have visited. Thank you for the great tutorial.
      Irene, from Canada!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    amy smart headshot

    My name is Amy Smart and I'm a quilter, pattern and fabric designer, wife & mom. Excited to have you here!

    Let's Sew →

    THE PERFECT PLACE TO START

    CHECK OUT MY

    I Sew With

    Baby Lock Sewing Machines

    Favorite Fabric Shops

    Come Sew With Me – Craftsy Class

    Pre-cuts Shortcuts Video Craftsy Class with Amy Smartma

    Top Posts & Pages

    • Diary of a Quilter by Amy Smart - a Quilt blog
    • Perfectly Pieced Quilt Blocks - in the Hoop!
    • Handmade Wooden Quilter's Tools and Clappers
    • American Military Sites, Normandy France - a sobering reminder about freedom
    • Patriotic US Flag Mini Quilt
    • Fast Four Patch Quilt Tutorial
    • 25 Favorite Charm Square Quilts & Projects
    • Lattice Baby Quilt Tutorial
    • Charitable Sewing: Quilts of Valor
    • Binding a Quilt: a Complete Tutorial
    Tips for Choosing Fabric for a Quilt
    How to Choose a Sewing Machine for Quilting, tips featured by top US quilting blogger, Diary of a Quilter
    Patchwork on Point Crib Quilt Tutorial

    Star Baby Quilt Tutorial

    Star Baby Quilt Tutorial
    Fast Shortcuts to make multiple Half-Square Triangles

    My Riley Blake Fabric Collections

    Categories

    Social

    • Facebook
    • Flickr
    • Google+
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS

    More of Me

     photo splendid_button_4 1.jpg
     photo Babylock_Logo_300x150.png imanauthor
     
    Follow

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up HERE! for weekly emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ

    This site uses affiliate links:

    I make a small commission on some purchases with no additional cost to the reader.

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Diary of a Quilter - a quilt blog