For the Quilt Along -Quick as a Fox Block 1 is the Log Cabin Quilt Block.
Log Cabin- Block 1
The log cabin is one of the most basic and beginner quilt blocks out there. For the Quilt Along we will be starting with this block. Keeping it very simple. There are strips– light and dark. They are sewn kind of in a circle or rotate around the center block. Depending on where the light and dark are placed you end up with a traditional log cabin quilt block or a courthouse steps. The pattern again takes on a new look when laid out….the possibilities are endless! The size of the block is easily enlarged if needed.
Because the log cabin is such a simple quilt block it is perfect to check your seam allowance. Getting this down is the biggest determining factor if you end up with the correct size of block or not. The ripple effect will happen if you seems are not correct. By the end of the quilt you will be very frustrated with your quilt. Working on your seam allowance will let you avoid this. Plus, You can sew anything in the quilting world once you have mastered the 1/4” seam allowance!
Testing your 1/4” seams:
1) Taking two scraps of fabric right sides together, sew with your regular seam allowance.
2) Take a ruler and measure the seam allowance- from the sewn seam to the edge of the fabric…. Is it 1/4”?
3) Make adjustments depending on the answer
● Is your seam to big? Sew again, going just a little bit smaller and re-measure. Repeat until you know exactly how to sew a 1/4” seam.
● Is your seam to small? Sew again, going just a little bet wider and re-measure.
After you have found the sweet spot of seams- you can lay a strip of tape along the machine so you know where to line your fabric on. Does your machine have markings next to the place already? Mark the line or measurement which will give you 1/4” seam allowance.
You are ready to assemble the block!
Cutting Instructions: cut one of each 11 pieces total
Dark Fabric:
2 1/2” X 2 1/2”
2 1/2” X 4 1/2”
2 1/2” X 6 1/2”
2 1/2” X 8 1/2”
2 1/2” X 10 1/2”
Light fabric:
2 1/2” X 2 1/2”
2 1/2” X 4 1/2”
2 1/2” X 6 1/2”
2 1/2” X 8 1/2”
2 1/2″ X 10 1/2″
2 1/2” X 12 1/2”
Log Cabin Block Instructions:
You can lay out the fabric strips out to help you remember what goes where. With a traditional log cabin block, one side is light and the other dark.
1) Pin the two smallest blocks in light and dark fabric together
2) Sew together down one side- checking that 1/4” seam!
3) Iron
4) Pin the next light fabric, then dark, and dark again, then light, light…. Repeating sewing, ironing until all pieces are used.
Hint * When sewing on the new strip, you will be sewing across 2 seams. If you have only sewn across one you are sewing the strip to the wrong side!
Want to sew along with us? Find all Previous Blocks and Instructions for the Quilt Along Quick as a Fox
To help us all connect and find inspiration from one another, there is a flickr photo gallery group- Share your progress, choices, and finished blocks there. If there is anything I know about quilters and sewists, it’s that we are very visual people. So, please share it so we can all see it.
Becky
[ts_fab]
Comments & Reviews
Dark fabric 1 of each:
2 1/2” X 2 1/2”
2 1/2” X 4 1/2”
2 1/2” X 2 1/2”
2 1/2” X 10 1/2”
I’m thinking there may be an error in these cutting instructions. Is there 2 – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ pieces for the dark fabric? The light fabric cuttings are all different measurements. Thanks Ruby
Yes, I don’t think that there should be two pieces of dark fabrics measuring 2 1/2′ square. I think it would probably be 2 1/2″ by 6 1/2″, but I am not sure.
Also, there are 11 pieces in the completed block and cutting measurements for 8 pieces. I can figure it out, but it seems a bit odd.
oooh goodness. apparently I didn’t pass math! It will be fixed shortly. thanks for the heads up!
here are the correct measurements just in case you are working on it right now:
Cutting Instructions
Dark fabric 1 of each:
2 1/2” X 2 1/2”
2 1/2” X 4 1/2”
2 1/2” X 6 1/2”
2 1/2” X 8 1/2”
2 1/2″ X 10 1/2″
Light fabric:
2 1/2” X 2 1/2”
2 1/2” X 4 1/2”
2 1/2” X 6 1/2”
2 1/2” X 8 1/2”
2 1/2” X 10 1/2”
2 1/2″ X 12 1/2″
11 pieces total
Thank you, Becky! I am still deciding on fabrics, but will start soon!
Why am I not able to come up with a square block using these cuts? The last dark strip & the last light strip are about 2″ too short for me. I can’t figure out my mistake.
Can you please tell me when you will be giving the quilt along post each week? On Tuesdays?
Is it too late to join? I’ve loving the finished quilt it is beautiful and totally working on my skills at the same time.
Hello Shella,
It’s never too late to join the party! Becky will be here every Tuesday sharing a new block for the quilt.
just thought I’d put another shout out for the photo gallery. there is one picture of fabric up there by kerrie! Make sure you share yours too-
Wow! What a cool design! You keep showing little snippets here and there and I just love it!