Make a wonky log cabin quilt block, the most forgiving quilt you’ll ever sew!

If perfectly matched seams make you nervous, this is your kind of quilt.

The wonky log cabin block takes the classic log cabin design and loosens the rules. Strips don’t have to match. Angles don’t have to behave. In fact, the more irregular your cuts, the more interesting your block becomes.

This is a perfect project for:

Using up fabric scraps
Practicing quilting without pressure
Creating a modern, artistic quilt

All you need is a center square, a pile of fabric strips, and a willingness to let go of perfection.

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By the end, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind block full of movement and personality. No two will ever look the same.

Why you’ll love the wonky log cabin

No precise cutting required – trim as you go
Straight seams only – beginner friendly
Mistakes become design features
Endless variation – every block is unique

If you prefer a more structured version, take a look at the traditional log cabin quilt block. But if you want freedom, you’re in the right place!

In this tutorial, I’ll share with you tips for how to make a wonky log cabin quilt block that actually looks wonky! You can make them any size you’d like – from small to one big wonky quilt block for your project or quilt!

The process follows the basic log cabin block construction. First, start with a center square then add strips around the block. The difference for this quilt block pattern is that the strips added can be any size or shape – you even trim the edge after sewing to be at different angles for more wonkiness!

Some people refer to this quilt block as the crazy log cabin quilt block. This scrap-buster project is a perfect way to use up those strips of fabric left from other projects. I use off-cuts from trimming up the edge of my fabrics.

This is a perfect project for beginner quilters and fun for experienced quilters! It’s an easy block to sew together with only straight lines.

One (1) Quilt Block

How to Make a Wonky Log Cabin Quilt Block

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Beginner

Learn how to make a wonky log cabin quilt block with our tutorial.

It's a fun block to make, especially if you are looking for a free spirited project where your corners don't need to match. In fact, it's best they don't match!

Materials

Fabric scraps or at least 6 different fabric fat quarters that coordinate
Thread for sewing

Tools

Sewing machine
Iron
Pressing mat or surface
Rotary cutter
Cutting mat
Quilter's ruler

Instructions

Start by pulling out your fabrics. I love to do surface design on fabrics and then never quite know what to do with them. I had one piece that was supposed to be whole cloth abstract that just didn't work. I cut 3-1/2" squares from it to be the centers for my wonky log cabin quilt blocks.
I like to trim up the edge of my fabrics before cutting strips to make sure they are straight of grain. I just can't throw them out! I use them to tie up bundles but there are still plenty! This is a perfect project! Here I've pulled out a bunch and put right next to my sewing machine to start making my wonky log cabin blocks.
One of the big differences between making a traditional log cabin quilt block and a wonky log cabin is you don't cut your strips first when making a wonky log cabin. Just pull a piece of fabric and stitch it to your center square, working around adding strips until your block is the finished size you'd like. Here I'm adding the second piece of fabric to my center piece.
Using the chain stitching method makes it easier. Just line up your center pieces, start adding strips from your scrap pile, sewing them all at once. Then make one trip to your pressing station to press your seams to your preference. Read our article about pressing seams.
For a more scrappy look, use different fabrics so that the blocks look different. I pulled the scraps to my pile to work from so that all of the colors worked together, but intentionally sew them together with different arrangements.
Here are all of my centers with one side added.
Here are all of my centers with two sides of fabric added.
Now there are three sides added.
And four side strips added to the center.
Once you have all four sides with strips, now is the time for the first trim. Take your ruler and cut one or more of the sides with an angle. I had narrow strips of the red fabric that I thought would be fun to add more visual interest to the quilt block. They are too narrow to trim at an angle. I'll add wider fabric to them on the next round to be able to add an angle to that side of the block.
At the end of each round of strips, trim the edges. This is when you add the wonkiness to your block. Trim them at angles, make sure to trim them at different angles to add to the design movement.
Here is a block with the fifth strip of fabric sewn to one side. Now you need to trim with each round so that you have a straight side to sew the next strip to.
Here is how I trimmed up three of the sides for this block.
Beginning to add the second round of strips to the center.
You can see here how my blocks are growing with their wonkiness as I add more strips.
As they get larger, you might only need to add strips of fabric to one or two sides to get to your finished block size. I choose a 12-inch finished block size, mostly because I have the ruler that makes it easy to trim it to finished size!
Just keep adding fabrics. Here are six of the blocks finished. I like to put them on my design wall to see what fabrics I might want to add to the last few blocks to maintain contiuinity in design and color.
Here are the finished 12-inch blocks ready for me to audition how I want to sew them together.

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What to do with your wonky blocks

Once your blocks are finished, the real fun begins

Try these layout ideas:

Mixed rotation for a playful, scattered look
Consistent orientation for subtle movement
Color grouping to create visual flow across the quilt

You can also:

Add sashing to calm the design
Keep blocks touching for a more chaotic, modern feel
Use bold quilting lines to echo the angles

There’s no single ‘correct’ layout. Lay your blocks out and move them around until something clicks.

Here is another layout option I tried for these nine quilt blocks.

For the wonky log cabin quilt pattern, I like to have some of the colors match between blocks. This blurs the edges of the blocks and gives the overall quilt even more wonkiness and makes the edges of the blocks less distinct. After it is quilted the lines will blend even more.

Here is the final quilt all ready to be hung on a wall!

Tips for making a wonky log cabin block:

You don’t need a wonky log cabin trim tool or any specialty rulers. The specialty rulers make each block the same – no more wonkiness! Have fun with the tools you have.
If you have jelly rolls you bought and don’t know what to do with, break into them and make some wonky log cabin quilt tops!
With each round of adding around the center, trim in different directions. It’s harder than you think. We are engineered to trim straight and in the same direction. The final trim squares up the block. They shouldn’t be square until that final trim.
Sew in a clockwise direction, adding the next piece of fabric.
This is a great way to use up scraps. Start with your smaller scraps for the beginning of the block and then use larger scraps on the outside edges. Check out all of our scrap happy projects!

Common mistakes (and how to fix them)

My block won’t lay flat
You may be stretching fabric while sewing. Press gently and avoid pulling.

My seams feel bulky
Use a consistent pressing direction and trim seam allowances if needed.

My blocks look too square (not wonky enough)
Trim at sharper angles between rounds. Vary the directions.

I cut too much off while trimming
No problem! Just add another strip and keep going!

Tips for better results

Start with smaller scraps in the center and larger pieces toward the edge of your block
Trim at different angle each round to build movement
Step back and look at your block often, it helps guide your next fabric choice
Don’t overthink it. This block works best when you relax into it
Look at the blocks you made that you really like – what is it about the block that you like and try to do it again

Frequently asked questions

What size strips should I use for a wonky log cabin quilt?
There’s no set size. You can use anything from narrow strips to wide pieces. Mixing widths adds more visual interest.

Do wonky log cabin blocks have to be square?
No. They often look irregular while you’re building them. You square them up only at the end.

Is this a good project for beginners?
Yes! It uses straight seams and doesn’t require precise cutting, making it one of the easiest quilt blocks to start with.

How do I make my quilt look cohesive if everything is random?
Choose a limited color palette or repeat a few fabrics across multiple blocks to tie everything together.

Can I just precuts like jelly rolls?
Absolutely! Jelly rolls are perfect for this project and make it even faster to get started. Also, by using a jelly roll you can be assured the fabrics will work well together.

The wonky log cabin quilt block is a reminder that quilting doesn’t have to be precise to be beautiful. With every angled trim and unexpected fabric pairing, you’re creating something completely your own.

Pull from your scrap pile, start stitching, and let the quilt take shape as you go. Sometimes the best designs happen when you stop trying to control every line.

And if you’re ready to explore more variations, try building on this technique with other log cabin styles and layouts.

Browse through more free quilt patterns on Create Whimsy.