Log Cabin Quilt Block Tutorial
How to Make a 9-Inch Log Cabin Quilt Block
The traditional Log Cabin quilt block is simple to piece, wonderfully scrap friendly and capable of creating many different quilt layouts. By changing the placement of the light and dark fabrics or rotating the finished blocks, you can create anything from diagonal lines and diamonds to the classic Barn Raising layout.
Below, I have provided the cutting measurements and construction steps for a Log Cabin block that finishes at 9 inches. The completed block will measure 9½ inches square before it is sewn into a quilt, allowing for a ¼-inch seam allowance around every edge.
Block size
- Finished size: 9 inches square
- Unfinished size: 9½ inches square, including seam allowances
- Finished width of each log: 1 inch
- Cut width of each log: 1½ inches
- Seam allowance: ¼ inch
All cutting measurements below include seam allowances.
Fabric choices
A traditional Log Cabin block is commonly made with one group of light fabrics and one group of dark fabrics. The contrasting values divide the block diagonally and help secondary patterns appear when several blocks are joined together.
You can use two coordinating fabrics for a clean, graphic result or choose assorted light and dark scraps for a more varied look. The centre square is often made in a contrasting colour, traditionally red or yellow, but you can use any colour you like.
Cutting measurements for one 9-inch finished block
Centre
Cut: One 1.5-inch square (Shown as red square)
Light logs
Cut one of each:
- 1.5 × 1.5 inches
- 1.5 × 2.5 inches
- 1.5 × 3.5 inches
- 1.5 × 4.5 inches
- 1.5 × 5.5 inches
- 1.5 × 6.5 inches
- 1.5 × 7.5 inches
- 1.5 × 8.5 inches
Dark logs
Cut one of each:
- 1.5 × 2.5 inches
- 1.5 × 3.5 inches
- 1.5 × 4.5 inches
- 1.5 × 5.5 inches
- 1.5 × 6.5 inches
- 1.5 × 7.5 inches
- 1.5 × 8.5 inches
- 1.5 × 9.5 inches
How to construct the Log Cabin block
Use an accurate ¼-inch seam throughout. Add the logs in order of the letters, working around the centre square in the same direction each time.
Tips for more accurate blocks
- Cut your strips slightly longer and trim back after each round.
- Cut your outermost strips 1/4 inch wider and trim back to 9 1/2" to ensure your blocks finish at 9 inch square.
Create different Log Cabin quilt layouts
One Log Cabin block may be simple, but the possibilities multiply when several blocks are placed together. Try rotating your blocks to form zigzags, diamonds, radiating squares or diagonal bands. Changing the balance of colour and value gives you even more ways to make the design your own.
This 9-inch block is also a useful way to use leftover 1½-inch strips. Make each block from the same two fabrics for a coordinated quilt, or sort your scraps into light and dark groups for a lively scrappy version.
Link: Log Cabin Layouts
If you prefer a foundation paper pieced pattern, you can find templates in the shop here. Please note that the FPP templates include 3", 4", 5", 6", 7" block sizes. These all fit on a single page of Letter/A4 paper.
