Log cabin quilt pattern is a well-known and popular traditional quilt block, with strips sewn around a center square. Some sources claim that the log cabin quilt pattern is the most popular quilt pattern in America!

The strips represent the ‘logs’ as they enclose the center square or center of the cabin, making a log cabin quilt block. The log cabin pattern originated in the 1860’s: it was a popular design during the civil war and often used silk patchwork scraps. As it became more popular, quilters began making this design with cottons and wools. This is a perfect design for beginner quilters. Simply sew fabric strips with straight lines around a square. Confident, experienced quilters enjoy the multitude of design opportunities offered with the log cabin quilt block.

Looking for a scrap-busting project? This quilt block is perfect for those small pieces and left over strips of fabrics to make a log cabin quilt with a scrappy look.

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Have a design idea in mind? Plan your fabric choices to create different geometric designs using the straight lines in this quilt block. In this article, I’ll cover the basics of making a log cabin quilt and tips and tricks for you to be successful.

What is a traditional log cabin quilt block?

Sew fabric strips around a center square to create a log cabin quilt block. Your center square can be a single fabric, a pieced block or fussy cut from a print fabric.

Below is a diagram of a traditional log cabin quilt block. Before you begin to sew, label each fabric strip in order around the center square. Sew all seams with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

What is log cabin quilting?

Log cabin quilting refers to sewing strips of fabric around a center piece of fabric. Designs can be timeless and traditional, or modern. They can be square or wonky.

Variations of the typical log cabin quilt block include changing up the center shape from a square to a rectangle, triangle, diamond or any shape that can have strips sewn around all of the sides.

Want to make an impact? Make a super-sized log cabin quilt block! To make one large log cabin square as a quilt, start with a center square and continue to add strips of fabric until you’ve reached the desired finished size of your quilt.

Change up the log cabin quilt settings or the log cabin quilt design layouts to achieve different designs.

What size strips for a log cabin quilt?

The strips of fabric sewn around the center square can be any size. Use straight cut strips for a traditional log cabin or cut at angles for a wonky log cabin. All of the strips can be the same size, or use different sizes for a different look. Additional variations include sewing different size strips or sewing the strips in a non-symmetrical order, moving the starting shape off-center, making an off-kilter log cabin.

A traditional log cabin quilt block starts with a center block square. Add strips in a clockwise order, forming a symmetrical square.

An 8-inch traditional log cabin quilt block starts with a 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ center square. Below is a chart that outlines the pieces you need to cut to complete a finished 8-inch log cabin quilt block.

One (1) Log Cabin Quilt Block

How to Assemble a Log Cabin Quilt Block

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty: Beginner

The log cabin quilt block is a classic block that can be arranged in so many different ways to form different designs. It is an easy quilt block to assemble, with only sewing strips of fabric around a center square - perfect for beginners.

Materials

For one 8-inch quilt block:
Seven (7) fat quarters
Thread for sewing

Tools

Sewing machine
Iron
Pressing station
Quilters ruler
Rotary cutter
Cutting mat

Instructions

Start by cutting all of your fabrics according to the chart above. TIP: Cut the strips on the lengthwise grain of the fabric. The lengthwise grain is more stable than the cross-wise grain which means it will be less likely to stretch, keeping your quilt block more accurate. Also, by cutting your fabrics out first, you have the exact dimensions for each piece which keeps your qult block squared up as you add more strips.
Start by sewing piece 1a to the center. Press your seam to your preference. See our article on pressing seams for quilting.
Working in a clock-wise rotation, then add strip 1b. TIP: When you are making multiple blocks for a quilt, sew them in the chain method, by sewing the next strip to all of your quilt blocks at once. This is quicker and makes it easier to keep track of which round of strips you are sewing next.
Continuing sewing each strip around your block, adding the next strip according to the chart above. Once you get on a roll, you'll know to sew, press, turn clock-wise and add the next strip. I double check before I start sewing each new strip to make sure it's in the right place. Um, yes, I've been known to sew an entire set incorrectly . . . and then practice my unsewing! 🙂 Here is are four log cabin quilt blocks finished with yellow centers - letting the light in!

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Tips for a successful log cabin quilt block

To begin, cut each of the fabric strips. Be accurate in your cutting. If you are off by even 1/32-inch on each strip it will add up. Your blocks may not be the same finished size. This will make it challenging to put them together for your finished quilt. By cutting the fabric strips first, you can make slight adjustments with ease as you sew, making sure the block stays square and accurate.
Cut your strips from the lengthwise grain. This means, even with the selvedge of your fabric. First trim the selvage off your fabric piece, then cut your fabric strips. Cross grain cut is the width of the fabric and tends to have more ease or stretch. Length wise cuts tend to have less ease and produce more accurate sewing on the quilt blocks.
Use a 1/4-inch quilting foot or mark the accurate 1/4-inch measurement on your sewing machine with a piece of painter’s tape or Washi tape. Accurate seam allowances make for great finished blocks.

Log Cabin Finished 1 — Variation of the traditional log cabin quilt with the center square the same size as the strips. The red center symbolizes the fire or hearth in the home.

What does a log cabin quilt symbolize?

A log cabin quilt symbolizes our home, built around the center shape. Different color centers had different symbols. A yellow center was thought to reflect the light shining through the window bringing light into the home. A red center was thought to represent the fire or hearth in the home.

Finished close up for the underground railroad log cabin quilt block — Sample of an underground railroad quilt block with a black center

What does the log cabin quilt mean in the underground railroad?

A log cabin quilt was used to let people know that they had reached a safe house. The quilt would boast a black center and hang on a clothesline placed outside of a church, home or other building to communicate that the travelers could have a warm place to stay for a night or two.