The Scrappy Improv-style Log Cabin Quilt of 2024 is officially finished. And I'm going to be honest, it is probably one of the most satisfying quilt finishes this year!
Log cabin quilts are one of my perennial favorite quilts to make. I've made a bunch of them. (Here are a couple of past favorites: vintage-style, Courthouse Steps version, and Blaze on-point variation.)
This one is based on the traditional Log Cabin Sunshine and Shadow layout, but all of the blocks were pieced "improv" style - meaning, there was no pre-cutting uniform strips.
I've written a tutorial for how to piece a log cabin block using "improv style".
This quilt was made entirely of scraps. (And maybe a few fat quarters in this color palette that I collected along the way...)
This is the perfect project for using those beloved scraps - especially the long, skinny string scraps. But also small pieces you haven't been able to throw away are perfect for the block centers too.
I think the reason this quilt worked out so great - and kept that traditional Log Cabin Quilt feel - is that I was very distinct about using Lights and Darks. They give the finished quilt a distinct "Sunshine and Shadows" definition of the traditional Log Cabin design.
For this quilt I ended up making my blocks 12" x 12" finished (12.5" x 12.5" unfinished.)
I ended up making 36 blocks for a 6 blocks x 6 blocks layout. I added a 4" border all the way around for a finished 80" x 80" quilt.
The quilting on this one was done by Melissa at Sew Shabby Quilting using her Honey Cone Flowers edge-to-edge pantograph. I love how the design compliments the fallish-honey-colored vibe of the quilt.
I bound the quilt with the Gold Mountains print from my Albion collection which was the absolute perfect shade of gold to tie everything together.
The borders and backing came from my stash, so in reality, this was a "free" quilt, right? 😉
I was excited (and motivated) to get this quilt finished before the end of Fall so that I could get pictures with the fall foliage colors. I think the quilt and the trees compliment each other so nicely. 🙂
I can not recommend enough making one of these improv-style log cabin quilts. The piecing process is so relaxing and therapeudic.
There's no measuring or stressing about matching up seams. You just keep sewing strips around the outside edge of the block. It's mindless and freeing. The best kind of sewing!
I think I could make these blocks non stop (and I've probably got enough scraps to make at least a dozen more!) I'm already gathering scraps in another color palette for my next one.
If you try this method, I'd love to hear what you thought! Leave a message in the comments!
Little Quiltsong
This quilt is gorgeous, Amy!! Perfect too, with the Fall foliage. Beautiful pictures!
Linda Wardlaw
I agree it's absolutely perfect, & against those trees stunning!!!
Amy
Thank you! Aren't those trees gorgeous?!
Margery Pinnetti
Breathtaking; quilt and foliage. Thank you!
Melanie Ayers
I absolutely love this idea and can’t wait to try it. So much more easy going than an exactly measured log cabin but the results look exactly the same!!! And I love you colors. Nice job!
Sherry Miller
Love log cabin quilts! Yours is beautiful!
Jill
Gorgeous quilt. You inspire me to dive into my scrap stash and have a go. I struggle with maintaining a true quarter inch seam so this should very freeing and so much fun. Thank you for all you share with us. I love your blog and newsletters and adore your fabric lines.
Travy Miller
Good Morning Amy!
Thi# i# a gorgeous block! I’m so loving the fall colors and gorgeous patterns! Really nice honeycomb quilting as well. I’ve only made one twin size quilt, so I’m embarking on my second quilt! A Christmas quilt! Nice and easy squares I think for this one, but the log cabin is really nice and I will do the next.
Janet Taber
Gorgeous quilt in a stunning setting! Love both!
Lea
Thank you for this tutorial. I love it and can't wait to try it. I have made a couple improv log cabins similar to your red and white one (except mine had other colors.) Your new one is so pretty. I have been saving my scraps and planning another improv log cabin like the other ones I've made but this one is definitely the one I'm going to try next.
Jan
Love the colors Amy! When I saw it on your wall and while back it inspired me to do a similar color scheme. I did regular log cabin, but love those fall colors. My favorite season.
Laura B.
Hi Amy - What an absolutely beautiful quilt! I don't love mustard yellow shades, but it just goes to show that it's the color palette that matters, because in combination with the other colors, it's fabulous! I am inspired to try it!
Sara Brankaer
I'm looking forward to seeing a whole rainbow of these quilts!