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.
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!
Rosemaryflower
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
Lea
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).
Shalley Wakeman
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!
Sandra B
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!
Jane Sprague
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!
Margaret Connolly
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.
Susan Backus
The Citrus and Mint link doesn’t open in the tutorial. Where can I get it please?
Amy
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
Lillian K
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.
June
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.
Amy
Thank you June!
Lisa
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.
Amy
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
Irene Kneale
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!