QuiltKeeperStudio
Open free

Block Library

Log Cabin

A classic quilt block built by sewing strips around a center square. Light and dark fabrics are often placed on opposite sides to create strong diagonal movement across a quilt.

BeginnerTraditionalStrip PiecingFoundation Piecing
Log Cabin quilt block — finished example

Why quilters love the Log Cabin

  • Great for strips, scraps, and precuts
  • Simple straight-seam construction
  • Easy to resize by changing strip width or number of rounds
  • Creates dramatic light and dark layouts
  • Works beautifully in traditional, scrappy, and modern quilts

Construction at a glance

What you'll work with

  • Center square
  • Fabric strips added in rounds
  • Straight seams only
  • Pressing after each strip
  • No templates required

Traditional Log Cabin blocks usually add strips around the center in a consistent direction, often clockwise or counterclockwise. Light strips are commonly placed on one side and dark strips on the other.

Common finished sizes

  • 8"
  • 10"
  • 12"
  • 14"

Adding this block to a project? Track it in QuiltKeeper Studio →

Cutting guide

Beginner-Friendly 10" Finished Block

This version uses a 2" cut center square and 1.5" cut strips. The block finishes at 10" after seam allowances.

  • 1 center square at 2" x 2"
  • Light fabric strips at 1.5" wide
  • Dark fabric strips at 1.5" wide

Suggested strip lengths to cut:

  • 1.5" x 2"
  • 1.5" x 3"
  • 1.5" x 3"
  • 1.5" x 4"
  • 1.5" x 4"
  • 1.5" x 5"
  • 1.5" x 5"
  • 1.5" x 6"
  • 1.5" x 6"
  • 1.5" x 7"
  • 1.5" x 7"
  • 1.5" x 8"
  • 1.5" x 8"
  • 1.5" x 9"
  • 1.5" x 9"
  • 1.5" x 10"

Accuracy Note: Many quilters prefer to cut strips slightly longer than needed, sew, press, and trim even with the block edge after each strip. This is often easier and more accurate than precutting every strip to an exact length.

How to sew the Log Cabin

  1. 1

    Start with the center square.

  2. 2

    Sew the first strip to one side of the center square.

  3. 3

    Press the seam away from the center.

  4. 4

    Rotate the block and add the next strip to the adjacent side.

  5. 5

    Continue adding strips in the same direction around the block.

  6. 6

    Keep light fabrics on one side and dark fabrics on the other if making a traditional light and dark layout.

  7. 7

    Press after every strip.

  8. 8

    Trim the block edges square as needed.

  9. 9

    Continue adding rounds until the block reaches the desired unfinished size.

Accuracy tips

  • Use a consistent 1/4" seam allowance
  • Press after every strip before adding the next one
  • Trim strip ends even with the block edge as you go
  • Check that the block stays square after each round
  • Use light and dark fabrics consistently for a strong Log Cabin effect
  • Avoid stretching strips while sewing or pressing

Common mistakes

Block Gets Crooked
Strips may be stretched, pressed unevenly, or not trimmed square after each round.
Light and Dark Layout Looks Mixed Up
A strip may have been added to the wrong side or the block may have been rotated inconsistently.
Finished Block Is Too Small
Seam allowance may be too wide, or strips may have been cut narrower than intended.
Center Square Looks Off-Center
One or more strips may have been added in the wrong order or trimmed unevenly.

Fabric ideas

  • Scrappy light and dark fabrics
  • Jelly roll strips
  • Reproduction prints
  • Solids with strong contrast
  • Low-volume backgrounds with bold accent fabrics
  • Cabin-inspired plaids, florals, and homespun fabrics

Variations

  • Courthouse Steps
  • Half Log Cabin
  • Wonky Log Cabin
  • Pineapple Block
  • Scrappy Log Cabin
  • Barn Raising layout
  • Fields and Furrows layout

Related blocks

Browse all 9 classic quilt blocks with cutting guides and assembly instructions.

Block Library →