Log Cabin Quilting

What is a Log Cabin Quilt?

A log cabin quilt, or log cabin quilt block, is one of the most popular traditional quilt patterns and is pieced together using strips of fabric, with a small square at the centre of the block. It is a traditional design that is so simple but looks so intricate and it's easy construction is disguised by the colour and layout which creates an intricate and dazzling quilt.

It is a wonderful style of quilt to try, if you're new to quilting and a favourite for those who have been quilting for a while.

The log cabin quilt is a popular design in American Quilting and gathered popularity as far back as 1800s, spiking in popularity during the Civil War. Whether this is because of a need to make use of scrap fabrics, or the fact that so many homes had been build in a log cabin style is difficult to determine. Either way, it is a wonderful quilt or quilt block pattern and has had a strong-hold on the hearts of quilters ever since.

The red centre in the log cabin pattern is a traditional colour to start a block, and represents the hearth of the home.

The 'hearth' or fireplace was the centre of the household, used for cooking, heat and light in log cabins. So the red square in each of the quilt blocks reflects the heart of the log cabin and a source of warmth, love and comfort found in the home.

The pattern of the blocks for log cabin quilts can be seen in the selection of fabrics used. Generally the placement of light and dark fabrics will build an overall pattern for your quilt. The light fabrics are added to one side of the block and the dark fabrics are added to the other side of the block.

This creates a contrast of light and dark and once these blocks are placed side by side, a complete pattern will emerge.

There are so many different ways for which you can create your log cabin quilt. Here are a few blocks made by our amazing creative customers in our online Sweet Pea Machine Embroidery Sew Along Group. This is a traditional log cabin layout ~

We have a number of fun log cabin style designs for you to try.

Diamond Log Cabin Quilt - This is a gorgeous quilt and appliqué block design for the 5x5, 6x6 and 7x7 hoops. This is a machine embroidery design and all sizes are included.

Twisted Log Cabin Drawstring Bag design - This is a design for an exquisite drawstring bag made using twisted log cabin quilt blocks. The embroidery design is included in three sizes - 5x5 6x6 7x7

Floral Plates Quilt design - This elegant quilt comes in three different sizes - 5x5, 6x6 and 7x7 hoops and is based on a traditional log cabin pattern.

Floral Burst Blocks and Quilt Design - This dazzling Floral burst block and quilt can be made in the 4x4, 5x5, 6x6, 7x7 or 8x8 size hoop.

The Floral Burst block is essentially based on the traditional Log Cabin quilt block. To create the high contrast in the block, we divided the block into two parts. One half we have used very patterned floral fabric and on the other half we have used plain/very minimal fabrics.

The Floral Burst Blocks and Quilt is our Sweet Pea Machine Embroidery Designs July Sew-Along Design.

Each month we have a design that we release and our online Sew-Along Group members stitch this out together. We share hints and tips, ask for help and have a monthly competition of all the completed projects.

We have wonderful prizes to win, members have a steady stream of inspiration and help while make this with a group of like-minded and fun group members. Best of all members of our Sew-Along group get a discount on each monthly design released for the sew-along.

We have a number of online communities (Facebook Groups, Instagram, Pinterest and Youtube) that you can reach us on. Otherwise you can always email us at customer.serivce@swpea.com

Below are some of our online communities -

If you would like to learn more about In The Hoop (ITH) Machine Embroidery we have some wonderful tutorials, online groups and a ITH Machine Embroidery course available.

Sweet Pea Machine Embroidery Designs - Click Here

Our Online Embroidery Groups are a wonderful way to stay in touch with like minded ITH Enthusiasts, gain inspiration, share projects and get crafty in the hoop.

We have a Pinterest page of both our ITH Machine Embroidery Designs and the wonderful projects made by our outstanding and creative customers.

It is a great location for inspiration and seeing the versatility of ITH Machine Embroidery.

We have a wonderful ITH Machine Embroidery Course for those looking to learn a wonderful new hobby or gain a greater knowledge and further their techniques in the hoop.