Log Cabin Quick Mini-Tutorial

Choosing fabric is probably the hardest step when making log cabin blocks. Most log cabins consists of a light side and a dark side. The center block is traditionally red or yellow signifying a chimney.  For the project I'm doing, I've chosen not to use the red or yellow colors. So the majority of my log cabin will be dark colors on the one side.

I've cut 1 1/2 inch strips from all of the chosen fabrics and now I've placed my center fabric on the

bottom and the first dark fabric on top, right sides together then stitch.

I've stitched two strips, as shown. Next comes the cutting apart.

Using a rotary cutter and ruler of your choice, cut 1 1/2 inch segments before ironing them open. It's much easier this way.

The first 2 fabrics have been pressed. I like to press the seam away from the center fabric.

I've now chosen the next dark fabric and am chain stitching the pressed fabrics to it.

At this point with the 2 dark fabrics sewn to the center fabric, the log cabin is roughly square.

Added the first light round.

Adding the second light round. Each round is change stitched to save time.

Note how after each completed (2 lights) section, the log cabin is roughly square.  You may square up as you go but it's just as well to square up after making all the block.

This arrangement has 16 blocks and is called "Barn Raising."  I'm going to make more blocks and I've got a surprise to show in a later post so stay tuned.