25 Different Ways to Sew a Log Cabin Quilt Block
The Log Cabin block pattern is a timeless beauty. You can apply it in so many ways that you could get lost in a maze of design possibilities. Start with big log cabins if you need to, or even mix large and small blocks. You will be amazed at what you can create!
There are also a few other tutorials linked for things like potholders and totes that you can make with the same piecing technique!
My Log Cabins at the International Quilt Show!
I got to have a quilt on display this year at the International Quilt Show in Houston. I worked so hard and put a lot of myself into this quilt. It was so exhilarating and gratifying to have it accepted. I love my Log Cabins!
I hope you find a free sewing pattern that inspires you to try the Log Cabin quilt block. Happy sewing!
Quarter Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
This three-yard quilt shows you a new perspective on the classic log cabin block; it uses quarter log cabins! Making it with just three different fabrics makes for a well organized and modern look.
Modern Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
Go for impact with my free Modern Log Cabin Quilt Pattern. The asymmetrical placement of nine Log Cabin blocks adds interest to these traditional blocks. Check out the pattern to see how different it looks in light fabric!
Baby Heart Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
The Baby Heart Log Cabin Quilt Pattern uses low-volume fabrics (or other light fabrics) plus a single bold color (or some other dark fabrics). I’ll teach you chain piecing techniques to make it very fast to sew. This is sew sweet, and perfect for a beginner quilter.
Pineapple Quilt Pattern
The Pineapple block is a Log Cabin quilt block made with a specific technique that produces a cute ‘pineapple shape’. Try my Golden Pineapple (Log Cabin) Quilt Pattern now.
One Big Cabin Quilt Pattern
You can also take the basic technique for the classic log cabin block and sew one big cabin! Since your fabric strips get longer and longer for this quilt, it’s a great way to use up a jelly roll.
*The website will no longer load properly, or does not exist anymore, but the idea is still a good one so I will leave this idea here.
Hearts at Home Block
I love the look of these heart centered log cabins. The pattern is not free, but I have included it if you would like to purchase it. Stratton Handmade is on Etsy where you can purchase the pattern.
Autumn Sky Big Cabin Quilt Pattern
Here’s a free pattern for a Big Cabin quilt; this one is made by Heidi Staples. I love the bear print! I think it would be perfect for an AirB&B cabin, don’t you think?
Stash Buster Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
Are your little scraps piling up? This free Log Cabin pattern uses 1’’ strips, plus by using a strip piecing technique these little babies sew up faster than you think!
Pro Tip: When sewing small log cabin blocks like these, it’s important to keep a consistent 1/4” seam allowance. This free tutorial also shares how trimming techniques using a ruler and rotary cutter that will also help your blocks turn out a consistent size.
Bonus Pro Tip: You can adapt this tutorial to make traditional log cabin blocks of any size. Try arranging your blocks on a quilt design wall before sewing them together so you can see how the pattern can change. You will love love how your quilt turns out!
Blueberry Pie Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
The Blueberry Pie Log Cabin Pattern is perfect for jelly rolls too. Of course, you can also cut up fabric yardage if you wish. When the log cabin blocks are rotated so that the dark sides of the blocks are put together, an almost-round shape appears – that’s the pie!
River Log Cabin
Here is a gorgeous use of the log cabin. Head to Missouri Star for a great video tutorial and free pattern.
Classic Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
Here’s a vintage inspired log cabin quilt that showcases many traditional characteristics of the log cabin quilt. You can see red block centers, light and dark piecing, and a classic layout. Amy Smart shares a free tutorial for this quilt.
Starry Cabins Quilt Pattern
You will love this log cabin pattern by Donna Jordan. Her video tutorial is wonderful!
Contrasting Cabins – When Harry Met Sally Quilt Pattern
Lissa provides not only a fabulous design, but also some cool history about the log cabin block design on her quilting blog. Check it out to sew this stunning beauty.
- Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine.
Under the Stars
Sew this traditional quilt in blue tones, or change it up to match your favorite color. Find the free pattern at Gathered.how.
Log Cabin Swirl Quilt Pattern
Brenda put a clever ‘spin’ on a traditional quilt block design. Don’t you think the flow in this log cabin quilt is intriguing and fun!
Rectangle Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
This choice of contrasting lights and darks is stunning with this log cabin design by Kirsty. Notice how the patterned fabrics mimic lace for an old, traditional feel.
Quilters Four Square Log Cabin Mashup Quilt Pattern
This is Molly’s unique design that mixes different quilt blocks together. It’s not clear in the photo, but half of the log cabin is completed with white! How does this inspire you?
Pretty Pastels Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
This precious Log Cabin design by Katti is begging for a snuggle! It looks nice to have one busy fabric print and all the other fabrics read solid.
Courthouse Steps Log Cabin Mini Quilt Pattern
You could make quite the gallery displaying mini quilts like these that Molly made. If that’s not your style, even them out and sew them together to make a completely original statement piece.
Spiral Log Cabin Block Pattern
This spiral quilt block that Beth Shibley shows here is a variation on the Courthouse Steps log cabin block. Sew up lots or combine them with another variation to make your quilt.
Warm and Cool Log Cabin Block Pattern
Once you get a hang of the Log Cabin quilt block, you can put the blocks together to make your own fabulous design! Loandbeholdstitchery.com did a nice job choosing these colors!
Wonky Log Cabin Quilts
The Wonky Log Cabin quilt is becoming a new classic! Amy Smart collaborated with other quilters to make these gorgeous wonky log cabin quilts for charity. She also shares a free tutorial for Wonky Log Cabin blocks.
Other Log Cabin Sewing Ideas:
Get some log cabin love with these sweet hexi log cabin potholders. The unique look of the hexagon log cabin is achieved using partial seams. That only sounds difficult – I’ll show you just how easy and fun it can be!
Christmas Log Cabin Table Runner
You can adapt any of the blocks in this list to make a table runner. You can also sew these beautiful log cabins into a full quilt! I love Lindsey’s thoughtful use of gold printed fabric.
Log Cabin Tote
You will love my free Mod Log Cabin Tote tutorial. It is fast and easy using a quilt as you go technique.
Japanese Style Drawstring Bag
Make a cute drawstring tote bag with a log cabin on the side! I made a wonky style log cabin block for the side of my tote, but you can start with a more traditional and accurately sewn log cabin block.
More from SewCanShe:
15 Playful Gnome Patterns: All Free!
Bag Lovers, Rejoice! Over 50 Free Patterns Await You
30 Free Jelly Roll Sewing Patterns – Including a Beautiful Tree Skirt!
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂