Log Cabin Quilt Block

The Log Cabin quilt block is easy to piece and very scrap-friendly. Here’s how to make a Log Cabin block.

Updated: To see the tutorial on how to assemble a Log Cabin Quilt, click here.

Updated: To see the tutorial on How to Bind a Quilt With Mitered Corners, click here.

How to:
made with
cotton fabric
sewing machine
thread
iron
quilter’s ruler
rotary cutter
cutting mat

Tips for Beginners: 

1
Let’s take a minute to go over a few tips for beginners. You can certainly use a ruler, fabric marking pen, and scissors to cut your pieces. But quilters know that a clear quilter’s ruler and a rotary cutter used with a cutting mat will give you accurate results more quickly.

To use a quilter’s ruler, match up the measurement line with the edge of the fabric. For this quilt block, I need strips that are two inches wide. So count over two inches, then line that mark up with the edge of your fabric. Stabilize the ruler with one hand and place the rotary cutter blade right next to the ruler’s edge. Don’t forget to place a cutting mat beneath your fabric! Press firmly and push the rotary cutter away from yourself to cut the fabric. You can cut several thicknesses of fabric at once with a rotary cutter, so you’ll save a lot of time.

2
Here’s another tip. I like to label clear plastic bags with the measurement of the pieces it will contain. Make one bag for each size, then hang them on the wall with pushpins, in the order that they will be used. This keeps your workspace clear and prevents you from mixing up your cut pieces. It also makes it easy to find a particular color or pattern of fabric quickly.

3
One last suggestion: if possible, set up an ironing board at chair-height right next to your sewing table. You’ll be pressing after every seam, so you’ll save a lot of time if you can just swivel in your chair to use the iron.

Cutting The Pieces

The Log Cabin block is made up of a center square, surrounded by 12 strips that spiral outward. Here are the pieces you’ll need to cut for one block:

  • (
    1
    3.5 x 3.5 in. square
  • (
    1
    2 x 3.5 in. strip
  • (
    2
    2 x 5 in. strips
  • (
    2
    2 x 6.5 in. strips
  • (
    2
    2 x 8 in. strips
  • (
    2
    2 x 9.5 in. strips
  • (
    2
    2 x 10.5 in. strips
  • (
    1
    2 x 12 in. strip

Assembling the block

1
The Log cabin block is very easy to assemble. Begin by placing the 2 x 3.5 inch piece face-down on the center square piece, lining them up along the right edges. Sew down the right edge with a ¼ inch seam. (You’ll use a ¼ inch seam throughout the block.)

2
It’s very important to stop and press each seam after you sew it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a puckered or crooked block. For the Log Cabin Block, I like to press on the right side of the fabric, pushing outward from the center.

3
To add the next piece, just turn your block counterclockwise a quarter of a turn. You’ll be sewing a 2 x 5 inch piece to the next edge.  Again, sew along the right edge with a ¼ inch seam and press.

4
Rotate the block counterclockwise once again. Sew the second 5 inch strip to the square as you did the other pieces, then press.

5
Turn the block counterclockwise again and sew the 6.5 inch strip at the top of the center block. Are you getting the hang of it now?

6
Rotate counterclockwise and add the other 6.5 inch strip to the right of the square.

7
Here’s where you’ll notice that some of your strips are a bit too long. That’s okay, it’s much easier to cut them a tad too long than to worry about fussy measurements.

You have two choices: (A) you can leave the excess and it will become a part of your seam allowance. If you do that, be sure that you’re lining up the next piece with the long straight edge of the block, not the excess flap of fabric.  Or, (B) you can grab your fabric scissors and quickly snip off the extra fabric before you sew.

8
Add the remaining strips in the order they are listed.

Updated: To see the tutorial on how to assemble a Log Cabin Quilt, click here.

Updated: To see the tutorial on How to Bind a Quilt With Mitered Corners, click here.

I’ll be using 54 of these 12-inch blocks to create a twin-size quilt with overhang and no sash. Show off your completed block by uploading a photo in the comments section below!

Made By Marzipan may have received product or payment for this post. Posts may contain affiliate links. Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
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47 thoughts on “Log Cabin Quilt Block”

  1. Gracia says

    I would like to see how to assemble the quilt!

    Reply
  2. Helen says

    What lovely colored blocks.Please can you show me the completed quilt.Thanking you

    Reply
  3. Mary Beth Gray says

    I am wanting to make pillows for my grandkids for Christmas using the log cabin quilt block. I viewed your tutorial and it looks fairly easy. What I would like to know is what are the measurements for center and each strip to do a 14 inch pillow or do I just keep adding a strip until it measures 14 inches?

    Reply
    • says

      I would just add more strips. Keep in mind that when you sew the pillow together, you’ll need a seam allowance… so you might want to make the block 15 inches for a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

  4. Gaynor says

    Lovely block, could I see how to do the next stages please. Thank you

    Reply
  5. Carole says

    I’d like to see how you assemble the quilt:-)

    Reply
  6. Pat says

    I would like to see the assembly of the quilt…thanks

    Reply
  7. Gracie hill says

    Omgosh you are wonderful. I loved ur video please send instructions on how to complete backing! U are the 1st to show and interpret easy instructions for beginners. Loved this so much. Muchos gracias señorita

    Reply
  8. Connie Williams says

    Please send complete instructions for log cabin quilt. I really liked your video!

    Reply
  9. Francien de Klerk says

    Oh i love this ….thank you….i did not know for a while what i would liked to make next but now i have seen your video`s you gave me inspiration again…. and i love log cabin…so tomorrow i will be starting looking in my stash and cutting the strips….cant wait to start…thank you again….greetings Francien.

    Reply
  10. Lorrie Scott says

    How many total strips of each size do I need?

    Reply
    • says

      In the section “cutting the pieces” you’ll see a number in parenthesis before each measurement (1). That tells you how many strips you need for each block. The total number of strips for the quilt depends on the size of your quilt and how many blocks it will have.

  11. Peg says

    Hi what a great tutorial, thank you for taking the mystery out of log cabins. It’s the best and easiest one to understand that I’ve seen, the fabrics are beautiful. I subscribed a while ago and have watched your video of putting the quilt together a few times thank you for sharing. :)
    Peg

    Reply
  12. Patty says

    I would like to see how to assemble the block quilt

    Reply
  13. Toms Handcrafted Gifts says

    I would love to see how to assemble the Log Cabin Quilt Blocks together correctly. I loved your video it made it sound so much simpler and easier on how to assemble/make one of these timeless blocks.

    Thanks-
    Tom
    Owner-Toms Handcrafted Gifts

    Reply
    • says

      Hi there, I’ve added the links to the next two tutorials in the Log Cabin Quilt series. Thanks for watching!

  14. Jenny says

    I, just watched your tutorial, you make it look so easy, I have had real problems in the past making log cabin blocks, i’ll try again now. Thanks. Would also love to see how you assemble the quilt please.

    Reply
  15. Sybrinia says

    I would like to see how to put the blocks together as a quilt. Also how many blocks for a queen size quilt?

    Reply
  16. Patricia says

    Why when I get to my 10.5 in piece they are too short. Every thing up until that point is fine. I see on You Tube that I am not the only one who has this problem.
    Do you know what I am doing wrong?

    Reply
    • Mary Sweetin says

      I’m having the same problem. Please respond to this post, Marzi, so we can complete our blocks correctly.

    • Michele says

      I put this together many, many times and each time I came to a glitch at the 10.5″ strips, thinking it was me because I am new….I dutifully started over..thinking I must be putting the blog together incorrectly. After almost giving up, I finally figured out that it was NOT me but an error in the tutorial. The 10.5″ strips should be 11″ and the 12″ strip should be 12.5″….for a finished block at 12.5″ x 12.5″. Great tutorial….but a little frustrating.

  17. Rachel Hughes says

    I love this quilt! I want to make a lap sized one for our couch and a larger one for our bed. Thanks for the tutorial.

    Reply
  18. josy says

    I am British and live in UK, I love this I am going to have a go by re-using my husbands old shirts for the fabric!

    Reply
  19. Stacy Clark says

    Hi, I just watched your video and “wow, well done.” I am very new to sewing, as in I don’t sew. After viewing your video its inspired me to learn. I’d like a log cabin quilt as my first project, a king sized bedspread at that.
    Your video is the first one I’ve viewed that makes sense same with your written instructions. How do I figure out the number of blocks I’ll need for an approximate size, 108 X 108? If you could please send me complete instructions for a log cabin quilt I’d greatly appreciate it. Thank you

    Stacy

    Reply

  20. Please, send complete instructions. I am a beginner quilter. By website, I watched you on google. Not to smart about computers. I love watching your tutorial, you made it seem so easy. Thank you and GOD bless you for your kindness and sharing!

    Reply
  21. Angie says

    Thank you! This is a WONDERFUL tutorial!! I think I can do it!

    Angie

    Reply
    • says

      So glad you liked it, Angie!

  22. Barb Fortin says

    Just watched your log cabin quilt video and thank you.
    This is my first project and after watching the video I think I can do it.Would love the printed instructions
    Thanks again,
    Barb

    Reply
  23. Enoy says

    I would love to see how you assemble the whole quilt. My daughter is interested in making one for a competition.

    Reply
  24. Enoy says

    If I’m starting from scratch, how much fabric do I need for the front of the quilt?

    Reply

  25. I would like to see how to assemble the quilt top. Thank you for making this block seem so easy.

    Reply
  26. Debbie says

    I would love to know how to finish the quilt. Love it.

    Reply
  27. Debbie says

    I am having so much trouble with the cutting of the strips. I am using a larger ruler and the rolary but it still isn’t coming out. The ruler is sliding on me. Also with 6×12 ruler I am not sure what line to count from. Should I count from the 1 or the very end of the ruler? I sure could use some help with this. Thus is my first quilt and I am ready to give up and that’s just because of the cutting. I know things have to be cut perfect for the quilt to come out right. Please help. Thanks

    Reply
    • says

      Hi Debbie! Sorry you’re having trouble! So when I use a quilter’s ruler, I often put my left hand on top of it and lean all my weight on it to prevent sliding. Count from the very end of the ruler when measuring. Good luck!

  28. linda hazelwood says

    I would like to have all instructions

    Reply
  29. Mary Jane Gibson says

    This is a very lovely and happy take on the tradional log cabin block. Only suggestion would be if it were in a user printer friendly tutorial format to take from my computer to my sewing room instead of haveing to scroll so much. Thanks

    Reply
  30. Janel Barthe says

    My quilt qre different sizes how do I square them up?

    Reply
  31. Janel Barthe says

    meant to say quilt blocks….

    Reply
  32. Monique says

    LOVE LOVE LOVE the tutorial! I am a beginner in quilt making and making the blocks is fine. My only problem is the calculating of fat quarters. I want to make a double bed cover. How many fat quarters do i need for this……..
    Pls help me….

    Reply

  33. Thanks-a-mundo for the blog post.Really thank you! Fantastic.

    Reply
  34. Sheri says

    Patricia and Mary Sweetin: The measurements for a 12″ square block is 11″ and 12.5″ for last strips and thats may be why you had problems. I found a similar log cabin pattern and this was the difference. Hope this helps.
    Marzi: Thanks for a fabulous tutorial! Love the colors.

    Reply
  35. charlotte says

    Love your video. It is very easy to follow .do you have this available for DVD player. It would be great to have. I am a beginner and need to review instructions often. You really are excellant in giving very clear instructions .so glad I found this video
    B
    Thanks

    what a great video. Is it available for DVD. Your instructions are so clear.I am a beginner and need to review often. I am so glad I found your video

    Reply
  36. Anonymous says

    I am a quilter and your tutorial was great. This will be one one of the blocks in my Alaskan Sampler that I am making.

    Reply
  37. акгул says

    привет я из Казакстана хочу купить ткани и ленейки разные как купит из вашего страны

    Reply
  38. акгул says

    мне очень нравиться ваше инстурментые для шить ленейка разные и нож

    Reply
  39. Anonymous says

    How many shares across and how many down. Please let me know

    Reply
  40. Anonymous says

    Squares I ment

    Reply

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