Traditional Log Cabin Block
Traditional log cabin blocks are built from light and dark fabric strips sewn around a small center square, either clockwise or counterclockwise. The construction is simple, but the design possibilities are endless. Depending on your color choices, contrast, and layout, you can create dramatically different effects - from classic layouts to bold modern designs.
Courthouse Steps Block
The Courthouse Steps block is a variation of the traditional log cabin. Instead of adding strips in a circular path, you sew them in pairs on opposite sides of the center square.
To make this block:
- Sew two strips to opposite sides of the center square.
- Add two strips to the remaining sides.
- Continue adding strips in the same alternating order.
This creates a beautifully balanced, symmetrical look.
Quarter Log Cabin Block
The Quarter Log Cabin is another popular variation. Instead of building all the way around the center square, you add strips to only two adjacent sides. This shifts the visual weight to one corner, creating movement and asymmetry.
You’re essentially working from corner to corner rather than from the center outward.
Contemporary Log Cabin Blocks
Modern log cabin blocks follow the same basic idea (adding strips around a center shape), but the center doesn’t have to be a square. You can start with diamonds, hexagons, triangles, rectangles, pentagons, or even completely improvised shapes.
Here are a few contemporary variations:
Rhombus Log Cabin (Diamond Center)
Sew strips around a diamond shape just as you would for a traditional log cabin or courthouse steps block.
Hexagon Log Cabin
Sew strips around a hexagon in the same manner.
Note: The traditional hexagon layout requires partial seams (shown in red in the diagram).
For a courthouse‑steps‑style layout, add three strips to opposite sides instead of two.
Triangle Log Cabin
Build around a triangle by adding strips to all three sides, or create a more modern look by adding strips to just one or two sides.
I love incorporating log cabin variations into my quilt designs. Here’s an example: a hexagon log cabin block that forms the bear muzzle in my Cuddles The Hexi Bear Rug pattern.
