Beginner's Guide To Quilting - UK (2020-04)

Working with Blocks

Sew a log (2) from the first pile to the

pieced unit you made in step 1, adding

it along the long side as shown, and then

press the seams.

Add a log (3) from the second colourway

or lightness pile down the side of the main

piece, as shown. Press the seam.

Add a fourth log (4) to the bottom of the

unit. Continue adding strips in rounds,

following the numbers and alternating

the fabric, as shown, until the block is the

required size. Press and trim square.

T

his popular block has been
a favourite with quilters for
many generations. It has a
truly timeless feel and will give
you a classic quilt to curl up
under for many years!
You can see it in action in the sweet
little pincushion on page 110. It’s made

up of strips (logs) that you add, one at a

time, around a central square to build

up the finished pattern. The strips can

be whatever width you want and the

block can have any number of ‘rounds’.

You will need one square for the

centre (usually a contrasting colour)

and a selection of strips. For striking

results, choose fabrics with a variety

of light and dark colourways. Either

measure the length of each strip you

need before sewing or sew a strip in

place and then trim it flush at the ends

after sewing. Here, we’ve added our

logs in an anti-clockwise direction, but

you could work clockwise if you prefer.

SEW FABRIC STRIPS IN A SPIRAL

EFFECT TO CREATE THIS TRADITIONAL STYLE

Sort your strips into two piles according to

colourway or lightness. Using a ¼in seam,

sew a log (1) from the first pile to the

right-hand side of the centre square.

1

3

2

4

Log Cabin block

Centre

square

Log 1

8

12

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

5

10

12

11

9

Log 1

Log 2

Log 3

Log 1

Log 2

Beginner’s Guide to Quilting 109