How to Make a Log Cabin Block with Strips of Scrap Fabric

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I’ve recently been inspired to hand quilt. Since my post last Monday, I’ve done a LOT of hand quilting. I asked for tips and resources for hand quilting on Instagram a few days ago. Someone mentioned that hand quilting is kind of a way of life.

I completely get that now. Hand quilting emphasizes every part of the process and joy in the making. It’s not fast. It’s a reflection of someone, not something.

I’ve never sewn log cabin blocks before. In an effort to cut down on some strips of fabric in my scrap bins, I thought I’d try some log cabin blocks. I made a couple 18 by 18 blocks and turned them into quilted pillow covers.

This one, in particular, I made from some vintage sheet scraps. Every time I run into a thrift store, I check the linen rack to see if there are any beautiful florals hanging there. I find them few and far between these days.

Here are a few other sources for vintage sheets:

Little Shabby Shack
Haynes Household
Kelly’s Vintage Fabric Studio

I sometimes tune into Janessa’s sales on her Instagram account.

I have bought a few sheets from Ebay. I tend to only buy from there, though, when I’m willing to pay more for a sheet I really really want.

Here’s  a post a wrote a while ago about finding vintage sheets. It’s a bit more thorough than my short list above.

I thoroughly enjoyed hand quilting this cover with Pearle Thread in white. It’s size 8. I used Fons Utility Needles, but I need to check out other needles. They’re the only ones I’ve ever used, and I had to do lots of tugging at times to get that need through.

Maybe that’s normal to have to tug the needle. I had to use a gripper a LOT.

Here’s how I sewed my log cabin block for my quilted pillow cover:

1. Choose a center square. This square is five inches by five inches. This is a completely appropriate time to fussy cute an adorable picture out of your fabric.

2. Take another strip of fabric and sew it to one side of the block. My strip of fabric measures at two inches.

You could very easily cut a two inch by five inch piece of fabric to sew on right here. I sewed the strip on, then ironed the seam, and then trimmed the strip down to size.

3. I trim after I sew because it’s a simple way to avoid wonkiness.

I don’t strive for perfection when I sew, but sewing with skinny strips can quickly become frustrating if your blocks doesn’t stay square. The skinnier the strip of fabric, the more noticeable the imperfections.

4. Sew another two inch strip to another side of your block.

5. Trim down that strip accordingly.

6. Sew another two inch strip to the third side of your block.

7. Trim down that strip and sew another strip to the final side.

I have been ironing all my seams toward the center block.

8. Add another strip of fabric to your block.

Be sure to add this strip on the same side as your original strip. See how I sewed the new blue strip below. The fabric essentially circles the center block. You want want to start the second layer of fabric on the same side as you started the first.

Another way to look at it is adding the next layer on the side where three different fabrics meet.

9. Add another strip of fabric to the bottom.

Before adding a strip randomly to any side of the block, be sure to pay attention to the motion of the pattern. We are slowly circling the middle block in a clockwise fashion.

10. Continue adding strips until your block is as big as you’d like.

The majority of the strips I used were two inches in width. I did, though, vary that a bit as I went. I enjoy a scrappy look and like the varying sizes.

Take note that using different widths of strips will result in an off center middle block once you’re finished with your entire block. I guess if you vary the strips exactly the same on all sides, though, that will result in a perfectly center block.

I ironed all my seams down the center block.

I backed the pillow with another vintage sheet I have sitting on my shelf.

This pillow will likely eventually migrate over to my Etsy Shop where you’ll find another lovely vintage sheet pillow that coordinates exceptionally well.

Let me know if you give the log cabin block a try. I’d enjoy seeing your creation. 🙂 It’s been a really great way to use up some strips of fabric scraps.