Start with a square and then add strips to two sides to make the half log cabin quilt pattern. A variation of the traditional log cabin quilt pattern, this makes a log cabin quilt block with quarter-length strips and is also known as the quarter log cabin quilt block.This is a simple quilt to make, perfect for beginners.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you two different ways to make half log cabin blocks. The key to making a half log cabin quilt is to have the finished size of each quilt block be the same. The block size can be any size, but to make the quilt top it will be important for all of the blocks to be the same size.
It’s so easy to change the design of this quilt pattern with different quilt block layouts. Layout options can keep the blocks in the same orientation, shift them around, or place them on point. You can vary the width of the strips of fabric for an interesting look like we did in the tutorial, or change the color sequences like we did in the second example below. This is a perfect scrap-buster project that uses a variety of fabrics.
How to Make a Half or Quarter Log Cabin Quilt Block
Learn how to make the half log cabin quilt block with this step-by-step tutorial.
Start by cutting your fabric strips:
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For the four fabrics that start with the center fabric:
- 2-1/2" x 2-1/2"
- 2-1/2" x 5-1/2"
- 2-1/2" x 7-1/2"
- 2-1/2" x 8-1/2"
- 2-1/2" x 10-1/2"
For the accent color that I used teal:
- 1-1/2" x 4-1/2"
- 1-1/2" x 5-1/2"
- 1-1/2" x 7-1/2"
- 1-1/2" x 8-1/2"
NOTE: If you are making four (4) blocks like I did, you'll need to cut one from each color for the top list and four (4) each for the accent color.
Here is our simple tutorial:
Materials
- For this quilt block layout, I used 1/4-yard each of four colors for the blocks and an additional 1/4-yard for the teal
- Thread for sewing
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Pressing mat or ironing board
- Iron
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Quilter's ruler
Instructions
- Start by cutting your fabrics. See the cutting directions above.
NOTE: It's important to cut all of your strips first and cut them accurately. This will make it easier to sew your blocks together. Here are all of my strips cut out and ready to sew.
- Start by sewing the 1-1/2" x 4-1/2" strip to one side of the center square with a 1/4-inch seam allowance and right sides together. TIP: If you are sewing more than one block, use the chain sewing method to put together your quilt blocks. Here you can see I'm sewing one after another.
- Press seams to your preference. Read our article on pressing seams in quilting. Next continue sewing the strips in order on only two sides of each of the center squares. After I cut the strips, I find it easiest to keep them in the layout format. Then take the next set of strips to add to your growing quilt block.
- Continue sewing your strips, pressing between each addition. Here are the finished quarter log cabin quilt blocks.
- One design layout option may be putting them together to make the center squares form a new center.
- Another design layout option is to switch one set of corner blocks, forming movement in your quarter log cabin quilt pattern.
Recommended Products
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OHOCO Wool Pressing Mat for Quilting - 17" x 24" Extra Large Felt Ironing Pad 1/2" Thick, 100% New Zealand Wool for Ironing, Sewing, Cutting on Ironing Board, Tabletop, Dryer, Countertop -
Panasonic 360º Freestyle Advanced Ceramic Cordless Iron, Pest Repeller v.57, Teal -
Omnigrid Non-Slip quilter's Ruler, 6" x 24", Neon Green -
OLFA 24" x 36" Double-Sided, Self-Healing Rotary Mat -
45mm Rotary Cutter
Here is another option using 2-1/2″ strips. I cut the strips as follows:
- Two (2) 2-1/2″ squares: One in color A and one in color B
- Two (2) strips 2-1/2″ x 4-1/2″: One in color B and one in color C
- Two (2) strips 2-1/2″ x 6-1/2″: One in color C and one in color D
- One (1) strip 2-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ in color D
I cut four versions of the strips outlined above, shifting the colors by one with each block.
Again, I sewed the blocks together using the chain method. (I was working on these late in the day – you’ll see I did quite a bit of unstitching. I sewed some of the strips on the wrong side. Sigh.)
Here is another finished version of the half or quarter log cabin quilt pattern! This version uses 2-1/2″ strips of solid fabrics for a modern take on this traditional quilt block.
Can I make this quilt block from a jelly roll?
Yes! Have a jelly roll that you love? First cut the center square at 2-1/2″, then use the variety of fabrics from the jelly roll to cut the strips using the cutting chart above. This easily makes a coordinated quilt block without much thought on your part. Just pick a jelly roll in your colors and proceed!
How is the half or quarter square log cabin quilt block different than the log cabin quilt block?
For the quarter square log cabin quilt block, fabric strips are sewn to two sides of the center block. However, in a traditional log cabin block, the strips are sewn in order to all four sides of the center block.
Is this a good scrappy quilt pattern?
Yes! You can use scraps of all sizes to make blocks that are all the same finished size. Just cut your fabric scraps into strips. Start with a center square and sew your scrap strips to two sides until the block is the size you want. You can trim the blocks, too. Then put them together to make your quilt top!
Did you enjoy the half log cabin quilt pattern? Learn the basics of the log cabin quilt pattern. Try the wonky log cabin block variation.
Browse through more free quilt patterns on Create Whimsy.
