MO74

I am frustrated - trying to make 5 1/2 inch log cabin squares. The pattern calls for the strips to be cut
1 1/2 inches wide.

I have double checked my cutting measurement, and my seam allowances (1/4 inch).

I am sewing straight seams, dry pressing them open, and yet they are still not looking square. Some pieces look wider than others and the squares came out wat too small.

I am on my second attempt with just starting all over and ready to give up.

Any suggestions ?

auntpiggylpn

I can't make a log cabin block come out straight and square unless I paper piece them. . .

Ranchwife

I'm making 120 log cabin squares at the moment and posted this same question earlier. I ended up strip piecing the squares, then trimming them after every "log" added. It takes longer, but I don't have the frustration of uneven logs and squares. I am amazed at how wonky the squares become even when being super careful. The method I'm doing now is great for me and even though some of the logs aren't exactly 1 inch (I'm doing 1.5 inch strips too), it is unnoticable to anyone but me.

Trim as you go to keep your squares square.

MO74

thanks - now I feel better knowing this is not just me. I don't know how to paper piece so.....

I will give it another shot with squaring as I go - can you tell me how you do that ? I have been using a small grid cutting board and lining up the edges with the grid, then trimming one edge straight, turning and doing the same to all sides. is this right ?

Dolphyngyrl

Do you block at each step it makes a difference

MO74

what does "block" mean - do you mean press and stretch it out ?

Ranchwife

I have a clear omnigrid quilting ruler and I square up the squares with that. Just be aware of how big your square should be at the time and trim to those dimensions.

dublb

I now cut my strips on the straight o' the grain 'cause my rag log cabin was very wonky. My last 2 log cabin blocks were PP so as not ta have ta deal w/this problem. They were part o' some sampler quilts.

eann

One of my first quilt was E. Burns Quilt in a Day. Granted the strips were 21/2 inches, but shows the cut as you go method. It was relatively easy. I'm going to the 11/2 strips one day!

Mariposa

Eleanor Burns' Log Cabin in a Day book is a great resource~~