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How to Make a 12″ Log Cabin Quilt Block

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Learn how to make a 12″ Log Cabin Quilt block with our free, easy-to-follow quilt pattern.

Last week, I shared a free quilt block pattern for a 12″ Churn Dash Quilt block; this week, I’m happy to share with you a pattern for a Log Cabin Block.

Block of the Week Patterns

This is the second of our block-of-the-week quilt block pattern series. Here are the others shared so far.

Quilt Block Patterns

Fabric Choices & Yardage Requirements

I don’t have specific yardage requirements for you now, as this is meant to be an ONGOING project. You may stop after 6 blocks and make a baby quilt, or keep going and create many quilts!

I am challenging you to create a scrappy quilt with some fabrics you already own. If you want a starting point regarding fabric requirements, start with a Fat Quarter of Fabric and 3 yards of background fabric.

What is a Log Cabin Quilt Block?

Free Quilt Tutorial and Pattern for a Log Cabin Quilt block; the April Block of the Month offered on the Polka Dot Chair Blog

A Log Cabin quilt block is a traditional quilt block pattern that features a central square surrounded by strips of fabric, creating a design that resembles the structure of a log cabin.

The central square is often a different color or fabric than the surrounding strips, creating a distinct focal point. The strips are added in a specific order, usually in a clockwise or counterclockwise spiral around the central square.

Here are some key characteristics of a Log Cabin quilt block:

  1. Central Square: The block starts with a small square in the center, often in a contrasting color to make it stand out.
  2. Logs (Strips of Fabric): Fabric strips, called “logs,” are added around the central square in a sequence. These strips can vary in width but are typically the same width within a single block.
  3. Building Layers: The logs are added in layers, building outwards from the central square. Each layer is added in a spiral or circular motion.
  4. Design Variations: The log Cabin block has many variations, such as Courthouse Steps (alternating strips on opposite sides) and Pineapple (additional angles and layers).
  5. Arrangement: Log Cabin blocks can be arranged in various ways to create different patterns in the finished quilt, such as Barn Raising, Straight Furrow, or Sunshine and Shadow.
log cabin quilt block on cutting mat in orange and cream

12″ Log Cabin Quilt Block Pattern

Melissa Mortenson
A free pattern for a 12" finished Log Cabin Quilt Block
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Active Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours

Equipment

supplies

  • 6 pieces Light Fabric in a variety of prints each at least 2" x wide by 12 1/2"
  • 6 pieces Darker Fabric in a variety of prints each at least 2" x wide by 12 1/2"
  • 1 piece Center Fabric at least 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Instructions
 

Cutting:

  • Note: each cut length increases by 1 1/2” for the strips.
    Light Fabric:
    PIECE 1: 2” x 3 1/2”
    PIECE 2: 2” x 5”
    PIECE 5: 2” x 6 1/2”
    PIECE 6: 2” x 8”
    PIECE 9: 2” x 9 1/2”
    PIECE 10: 2” x 11”
    Dark Fabric:
    PIECE 3: 2” x 5”
    PIECE 4: 2” x 6 1/2”
    PIECE 7: 2” x 8”
    PIECE 8: 2” x 9 1/2”
    PIECE 11: 2” x 11”
    PIECE 12: 2” x 12 1/2”

Sewing the First Strip:

  • Place Piece 1, right side up, along one edge of the central square. Align the edges sew it in place using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, and add Piece 2.
    log cabin quilt diagram
  • Press the seam open or towards the strip.

Add Strips Counter Clockwise:

  • Sew the strips to the center square, working counterclockwise.
    log cabin quilt diagram
  • Next, sew two dark strips, pieces 3 & 4
  • Sew pieces 5 & 6
    log cabin quilt diagram
  • Sew pieces 7 & 8
    log cabin quilt diagram
  • Sew pieces 9 & 10
    log cabin quilt diagram
  • Sew pieces 11 & 12
    log cabin quilt diagram

Trimming (Optional):

  • Once you’ve completed the block, you may want to trim it to ensure it’s exactly 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″. Be careful to maintain the center square’s position while trimming.

Finishing:

  • After trimming, press the entire block to set the seams and create a crisp finish.
    log cabin quilt block on cutting mat in orange and cream
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Love this tutorial? Get the behind the scenes on Instagram

Log Cabin Quilt Examples

One of the coolest things about log cabin blocks is all of the really cool combinations you can create in your final quilt design.

diagram of pink and orange log cabin blocks

Layout featuring for blocks across by four blocks down. The blocks are rotated to create the shapes.

diagram of pink and orange log cabin blocks

Simple 3 x 4 quilt layout.

Tutorial for a simple quilted pillow. A great way to use up scraps, would be cute to change out for the different Holidays.

Log cabin blocks also make great pillows! The log cabin block on this free pillow tutorial is made with larger pieces that are trimmed as you go.

navy and ivory log cabin mug rug on wood tray with coffee and cookie

You can also turn a smaller finished quilt block into a mug rug, like the one in this Coffee Cabin Mug Rug tutorial.

How to Participate

Just subscribe to our blog newsletter (it’s free) and we will email you each week when a new quilt block pattern is posted.

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