Make this Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt
Here’s a great way to use your favorite fabrics for a beautiful scrappy quilt. Whether using you scrap strips from other projects or cutting your fat quarters, you’ll love this Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Square. It’s an incredibly easy block to make and you’ll love the on-point quilt design layout. Watch the Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Quilt Tutorial video below for all the details.
Now see how to put those beautiful quarter log cabin blocks on point for the most spectacular quilt ever!
Scrap Fabric Project
Use Your Stash Fabric to make this beautiful Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt. This easy Quarter Log Cabin Block is quick and looks great! The Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Quilt Block is a Simple Stash Buster Quilt Pattern. It works with charm squares, jelly roll strips and fat quarters for a fantastic finish! Choose from multiple design layout options for your perfect quilt top! The included On-Point Quilting Tutorial shows you how turn your next log cabin quilt in a new direction!
On Sale Now!
Get My Garden Path Modern Log Cabin Quilt Pattern.
How to make a Quarter Log Cabin Block
This easy assembly begins with a large square that is then cut into four equal squares. This is your quarter log cabin block. How easy is that?!
Begin with lots of 2.5” strips. This quilt uses about 1.5 jelly rolls if you happen to have a precut stash ready for some serious quilting. Most of my strips are pieces leftover from cutting my fat quarters for other projects. You can also use strips cut from leftover border or backing strips. This is a fabulous scrap buster quilt! For this quilt, a greater the variety of fabric will give you an amazing, finished quilt.
Start with Your Fabric Strips
Your first step is to group your strips into some general color groups which will help you when you begin sewing. If you choose to use many colors like me, lay your strips in a pleasing layout. This way you’ll be able to simply grab and sew without too much thought. This really does look best when pieced in a random manner.
Many log cabin blocks are sewn with precut strips to keep your block nice and square. While this is an effective method, all that cutting is very time consuming. I prefer to sew and go! After the first two rows, press all your blocks being careful not to stretch or distort your squares. Then give them a good trim. Add the next two rows followed with another pressing and trim to make all your blocks the same finished size.
Sew Your Fabric Strips into A Large Square
Let’s get started! With all your strips grouped, begin sewing them together end to end. My preference is to join these strips with a diagonal seam as you would your binding strips. This creates more of a gradual transition of colors and some fun interest in your blocks. Using a straight, end-to-end seam may take away from the log cabin look of the block. Too many straight seams within your block will break up the ‘logs’ and you’ll lose the intended look of the block.
While log cabin blocks are often made with contrasting colors, or light and dark fabrics, my only separation is color placement. Keep the different colors arranged to divide your various color groups. This way there’s lots of color across the entire quilt. Once the large squares are complete, cut them into four equally sized squares. These are your quarter log cabin quilt blocks. Now the fun begins!
Assemble Your Quilt
Decide on the layout design you prefer as shown in the video tutorial above. Everything you need to know is shown step-by-step.
More Log Cabin Block Ideas to Try
Looking to create a holiday quilt project that’s fresh and stylish, then this is the quilt is for you! Watch this Christmas Quarter Log Cabin Tutorial and you’ll be able to create a quilt that’s perfect for your home or gifting.
This quarter log cabin block is easy to make, and you’ll be able to create a beautiful quarter log cabin quilt in no time! Watch how to use your stash fabric to create a log cabin scrappy quilt pattern with all your Christmas fabrics. This quilt pattern is easy to follow and can be created using a variety of fabrics and colors.
Love Log Cabin Blocks? Don’t miss my
Garden Path Log Cabin Quilt Pattern @ 20% OFF.
Download the FREE All Blocked In Pattern with detailed instructions on how to set a quilt on-point
Now for the Perfect Pieced Quilt Backing for your New Quilt!
Walking Foot Quilting
With all the strip piecing on the front and back of this wonderful quilt, the best finish is a simple curved quilting design. Using my walking foot
How a New Lifestyle Can Change Your Life
Have you ever had an Ah-ha moment that really made a personal impact on you? Most times for me it’s more like the light bulb blinking on and I finally get it. Whatever ‘it’ is. But every once in a while, something hits that can really make a difference. For me that was a reality re-set about my quilt fabric choices.
My husband, I and the kids lived on an island for 15 years. Yes, it was a fabulous lifestyle. The eye-opener for us was living in a third world country where we were the minority. Plus my of our life priorities changed dramatically as did our appreciation of many little things like inside plumbing, electricity and a refrigerator. On the other hand, my kids grew up fishing and snorkeling instead of going to the mall.
Each of us adjusted to the many changes we experienced. The most amazing to me are the long-term effects that have lasted since we returned to the US over 5 years ago. I still recycle little things. Not just because of environmental issues, but because they can be hard to come by. Who would ever think that a twist tie could be used over and over? There is always a spare jar of peanut butter on my shelf. Imagine not being able to buy the ingredients needed for dinner. It was definitely an eyeopener and such a wonderful life lesson.
A New Look at Quilting
When I cook, I still go to the cabinet to see what’s there is instead of just going to the store. It takes more creative cooking to use what’s on hand when the preferred items simply aren’t available. My quilting has also evolved from island living. It’s hard to imagine life without a 24-hour Wal-Mart, but what if you couldn’t get the fabric you needed to finish that quilt promised for tomorrow’s wedding? I learned fast to figure out a way to use what I had. More importantly, to use what was on hand in a completely different way. Initially I used some traditional block patterns like the rail fence. But then I started to see quilting differently.
Choosing the Backing Fabric for Your Quilt
The first time I had to piece a quilt back nearly horrified me. I’d always used a single fabric for backings. But now I’m mixing up fabrics into different size blocks and loving the effects. Once I started doing the same on my quilt tops, everything changed. Even now, I seldom use specific patterns. I love to grab a pile of fabric and start to build a design. What a liberating way to create! Life outside the box can bring such freedom and for me, a new creative outlet.
This all came to mind as I was getting this backing assembled. The one message I want to deliver clearly, is that you are in charge of the quilts you make. You choose the fabrics, design the pattern and layout, and create stunning heirlooms that will be loved for years. Don’t let anyone put you into a box or confine your artistic adventure. Do it your way, and Just Quilt! Wow, that was a lot to say. I hope you appreciate the point I’m trying to make and understand that I want you to be able to find your personal quilting style. You’ll love it when you get there.
This is an unusual quilt pattern in the way it’s made as well as how it’s laid out. What a beauty this finished quilt is.
Give it a try and be sure to post your quilt in IG #LeaLouiseQuilts!
