This week we are doing a Log Cabin block. Traditionally, a Log Cabin block is dark on one side and light on the other. And many times you will see a red center in the Log Cabin block to symbolize the "door". I decided to go a little away from tradition by putting the background in the center. I did keep one side dark and the other lighter. I added in 2 fabrics from previous months for the light side of the block.
*Tip: Have you ever wondered what it means when a pattern says to use a scant 1/4" seam? A scant 1/4" means your seam is about 1 thread's width smaller than a 1/4". When you have blocks that have several seams going across a block, using this scant 1/4" seam will assure that your block size stays accurate. When I say one thread's width, this is what I mean...
If I was using a straight 1/4" seam, you would be able to see my stitches just on the outside edge of my 1/4" marker. However, my stitches are slightly covered by the marker, which is the thread's width that makes this a scant 1/4".
Try using a scant 1/4" when you do this Log Cabin block so that you end up with a 12 1/2" block.
You will need 6 colors and a background
Fabric A - Background
Fabric B - Color 1
Fabric C - Color 2
Fabric D - Color 3
Fabric E - Color 4
Fabric F - Color 5
Fabric G - Color 6
Cutting:
Fabric A: Cut 1 - 3 1/2" square
Fabric B: Cut 1 - 2" x 3 1/2" and 1 - 2" x 5"
Fabric C - Cut 1 - 2" x 5" and 1 - 2" x 6 1/2"
Fabric D - Cut 1 - 2" x 6 1/2" and 1 - 2" x 8"
Fabric E - Cut 1 - 2" x 8" and 1 - 2" x 9 1/2"
Fabric F - Cut 1 - 2" x 9 1/2" and 1 - 2" x 11"
Fabric G - Cut 1 - 2" x 11" and 1 - 2" x 12 1/2"
Sewing:
Starting with the center background square, you will be adding the strips around the center until you have sewn on all 6 fabric colors. I wanted to show you the larger layout first and then we will go step by step to add the pieces. Here is how your block pieces should be layed out.
Sew the Fabric B 2" x 3 1/2" to the top of the center background square. Press toward Fabric B.
Then sew the Fabric B 2" x 5" piece to the left side of the previous unit. Press toward Fabric B. This should measure 5" square.
Next step is to add the Fabric C strips as shown (as you add strips, always sew on the shorter strip first and then the longer one)
Your block should be 6 1/2" square.
Add Fabric D strips as shown, press toward Fabric D.
Your block should measure 8" square.
Add Fabric E strips, pressing toward Fabric E.
Your block should measure 9 1/2" square.
Add Fabric F strips, pressing toward Fabric F.
Your block should measure 11" square.
Finally add the Fabric G strips to the block, pressing toward Fabric G.
You have completed your 12 1/2" Log Cabin block. Great job!
Don't forget to post your block pictures on the Ruth's Stitchery Facebook page to be entered into our April drawing.
