Blocks almost don't get more traditional than the Log Cabin block. Easily recognized (or is it? Pinky finger to edge of lip, super villain smile) and simple enough for beginners, but with so many optional variations that seasoned quilters tackle it over and over.
First - mini history lesson. No, don't roll your eyes. I promise - VERY brief! While many attribute the block to our brave pioneer settlers in the 1800s, the design and layout have popped up as far back as Egyptian times. So it's true roots? Hey, it's anyone's guess. But I think you can see how the name came about - the logs (strips) around a center (hearth) - log cabin. Yeah, makes sense. Traditional lore says that a red center represents the hearth or fireplace, the center of a home in pioneer times as it served as heat source and cooking source! A yellow center would represent a light in the window, a candle to welcome the weary traveler home. And since we are talking about tradition, the block is usually made with the logs (strips) on one side light and the other dark. So there you go - a Log Cabin block represents hearth and home. Cozy, isn't it?
Let's look at a few examples and variations of the Log Cabin block!
Here is a traditional log cabin - red center, dark logs on one side, light logs on the other. Simple and yet dynamic.
Look at what happens when the size of the logs varies. This uneven log cabin can create wonderful shapes and the illusion of curves when combined with other uneven log cabin blocks.
Do you have to make a full block? No! Here is a quarter log cabin, with the center to one corner.
This fun variation is sometimes called Streak of Lightening - and I'll bet you can see why. Hint: the red squares running from top left to bottom right would be the "streak".
Courthouse Steps is another fun variation of the log cabin block. It still builds out from the center, but in a stepped fashion (sides, top and bottom, side, top bottom).
The pineapple block is also in the log cabin family. Just like the traditional block, it builds from a center and can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
These are just some examples to inspire you. There are scores more variations of the log cabin block, as well as patterns and books on this no so basic block.
I use many of these variations in my patterns as well. Here are just a few patterns that use variations of the log cabin block (many of the variations I've shared with you above). Can you identify the block and the variation?
Ah....you are starting to see the log cabin block now, aren't you? And suddenly these quilts look easy, right?
Want more Log Cabin inspiration? Head over to Instagram. This month, we (Kate and I) challenged designer pals to reimagine the Log Cabin block. You are going to LOVE what they did with this simple block!
Here's a sneak peek at one of my reveal pics. See the rest of them - from the fabric pull to the in progress pics to the final project - over on my IG feed. While you are there, follow some of the tags to see what the other designers did with the block, and get inspired for your next project.
Want more inspiration? The Ultimate Half Log Cabin Book is just on the log cabin blocks and what you can do with them!
And while you are there, I really recommend a general all around block book for reference. Some great ones:
Fons and Porter's Quilter's Complete Guide
Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns
Encyclopedia of Classic Quilt Patterns
5,500 Quilt Block Designs
Yes I have all of these on my shelf and refer to them often!
I hope you are inspired to try a log cabin block for your next project!
Head over to Kate's blog to get her view on the joy of Log Cabin Blocks and what they can make!
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