how to Refine your Patchwork Technique for Log Cabin blocks

This week we’re sewing our very first log cabin quilt block with the Circus Cabin Sew-along. The log cabin is a classic block ideal for new quilters and yet adored by experienced quilters alike. It’s a chance to sharpen your patchwork sewing skills with simple, straightforward piecing. These tips will help refine your technique.

Follow the Circus Cabin quilt pattern to sew your first block. Notice any of these challenges along the way? Here’s how to do a little better, when you sew your next log cabin block.

Challenge #1 - Logs too long

As you’re adding new logs to your block, does it always seem like the next log is a tad bit too long? This is an indication that your seam allowance is slightly too large. In patchwork we often sew a scant seam allowance. Here scant means “just a little bit less than a true 1/4 inch.” Next time sew a slightly scanter 1/4” seam. When your logs seem just the right length, you’ll know you’ve gotten it right.

Challenge #2 - Logs too short

Or the opposite! When you’re adding new logs, the next one always seems too short. First, check that your log cut lengths are correct. Yes? OK, then you need to sew a slightly bigger 1/4” seam allowance. Your seam alliances are significantly narrower than a true 1/4”, and that’s not best practice for durable patchwork.

Challenge #3 - Looking wonky

Is your block looking a little wonky? Not so uh, block-like, i.e. not square? Tidy cutting and sewing produce square blocks, but no one is born to this. Your accuracy will improve with practice. Meanwhile, you can use more pins to hold logs in place while you sew. Consider using a seam guide (like a strip of washi tape placed on the machine) to encourage straighter seams. And give yourself grace! It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.

One word of caution - if you’re temped to trim the block mid-process, go easy. Only trim away slivers of fabric to make the block squarer. If you want to trim as you go, you might finish with a slightly smaller block. For example, your last trim may be 15” x 15” instead of the expected 15.5” x 15.5”. This will result in a slightly smaller quilt. As long as your blocks are square and of a consistent size, it will work out.

Challenge #4 - Block is too small

Everything seems to go swimmingly, but your block measures too small after adding all the logs. Hey this has happened to every quilter. Seriously, it’s so common. This is why quilters sew a scant 1/4” seam. It gives us some wiggle room so that the final block isn’t too small and we can trim it to the ideal size.

Another tip to avoid too small blocks - press your seams open. This makes a slighter flatter, and thus slightly bigger block. Lastly, consider not trimming the final block. If it’s approximately square and just a hair less than the ideal 15.5” square size, it’s good to go.

Would you like to join the Circus Cabin Sew-along? It’s not too late! This week we’ve chosen fabrics and sewn our first block. Next week we really start cranking blocks out, and the word on the street is that they’re too easy to limit yourself to the sew-along quota. It sounds like most people are going to be finishing ahead of schedule!

Need some help choosing fabrics? You can augment your scraps with season-inspired bundles in prints or solids created by my sponsor shops for our sew-along! Bundles are limited and ready to ship.