This month's quilt block in an American classic.
It first appeared in the 1860's around the time of the Civil War.
Traditionally the center square is red, representing hearth and home
or yellow, representing the welcoming light shining through your house window.
Strips of fabric rotate around that center block,
like you're building your cabin.
You'll need 5 different fabrics (1/4" yard of each).
I'm going with a "back to school" theme here.
Traditionally, log cabin squares have 2 darker fabrics and 2 lighter.
The strips are placed so your darker will be on one side and lighter on the other in the block pattern.
You don't have to follow this rule but it's fun to know the traditional placement.
Choose a red or yellow for your center.
Cut a 2 1/2" square for your center.
Cut 2 strips out of each of your other fabrics measuring 2" x 8".
Sew one of your dark strips along the center square edge.
Trim off the overhanging strip so your side is even, live above.
Iron seam on back and iron front.
Sew a strip of this same dark fabric along the bottom edge.
This first fabric will be touching 2 sides of the center square.
Trim any overhanging fabric, so you have a square piece.
Turn your sewn square counter clockwise and sew a light fabric strip on that edge.
Turn clockwise again and sew the same light color strip.
You'll keep turning and sewing on strips of fabric, alternating between light and dark, trimming off overhanging fabric to get edge even.
Don't forget to iron the seam on back after sewing on each new strip.
Sew on the next 2 dark pieces.
Sew on the next 2 light fabric strips.
You've got your log cabin!
Press seams on back and iron front.
Trim up your block sides to get a square 8"x8" square block.
Print your own copy of the block instructions
Loving this log cabin design and the history around it.
Next month, we are talking Halloween and all the cute fabrics you find out there for Oct!
Start gathering those fabrics now.
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