Stitchtale

Quarter Log Cabin quilt block

A classic block that sews up in an afternoon and looks right in almost any fabric.

5 steps, start to finishWatch the Quarter Log Cabin sew up, cut to press.
Sew a Quarter Log Cabin quilt

Try it in your colours

Try it in your colours

Tap a colourway, or pick each fabric. The film at the top changes too.

Colourways

Or pick each fabric

Love it? Find real fabric in these colours at the fabric shop.

Cut sizes for one Quarter Log Cabin block

Pick the finished size. Every cut includes the ¼″ seam allowance.

Cutting for one 6″ finished Quarter Log Cabin block
PieceCutQty
Background rectanglebackground fabric4.1″ × 2.9″1
Point rectanglemain fabric4.1″ × 1.7″1
Point rectanglemain fabric1.7″ × 4.1″1
Point rectanglemain fabric5.3″ × 1.7″1
Point rectanglemain fabric1.7″ × 5.3″1
Point rectanglemain fabric6½″ × 1.7″1
Cutting for one 9″ finished Quarter Log Cabin block
PieceCutQty
Background rectanglebackground fabric5.9″ × 4.1″1
Point rectanglemain fabric5.9″ × 2.3″1
Point rectanglemain fabric2.3″ × 5.9″1
Point rectanglemain fabric7.7″ × 2.3″1
Point rectanglemain fabric2.3″ × 7.7″1
Point rectanglemain fabric9½″ × 2.3″1
Cutting for one 12″ finished Quarter Log Cabin block
PieceCutQty
Background rectanglebackground fabric7.699999999999999″ × 5.3″1
Point rectanglemain fabric7.699999999999999″ × 2.9″1
Point rectanglemain fabric2.9″ × 7.699999999999999″1
Point rectanglemain fabric10.1″ × 2.9″1
Point rectanglemain fabric2.9″ × 10.1″1
Point rectanglemain fabric12½″ × 2.9″1

Good to know

What size should I make a Quarter Log Cabin block?

Any size that suits your quilt. 12″ is the easiest to sew, and 9″ or 6″ look lovely in a busy, scrappy quilt. It sits on a 5 by 5 grid, so a finished size that divides by 5 gives you friendly cutting numbers. The cut sizes for all three are on this page.

How many Quarter Log Cabin blocks do I need for a quilt?

At 12″ you need 9 blocks for a wall quilt, 12 for a baby quilt, 30 for a throw, 48 for a twin quilt and 72 for a queen quilt. Sashing or a border between them means fewer blocks for the same size.

Is the Quarter Log Cabin good for a beginner?

Yes. It's all rectangles, so it makes a lovely first block. Keep your ¼″ seam steady and the corners will meet.

What's the trick to a neat Quarter Log Cabin?

Sew a test Quarter Log Cabin first and measure it. If it comes out the right size, the rest will too.

Coffee and a few seams?

Start a quilt with the Quarter Log Cabin and we’ll walk you through every cut and seam.

Sew a Quarter Log Cabin quilt