Best size for log cabin strips?
 

I am making a log cabin quilt that will measure between 95"- 100" square. I was wondering what size strips do most of you like to use. I have Eleanor Burns log cabin book and she give the instruction for 2 1/2 " strips. The quilter who taught me to make them has always taught to use 1 3/4" strips. I know that the thinner strips look nicer but there is more to cut and more to sew which end up with smaller squares.

I have been commissioned to make one and have never made one with the wider 2 1/2 inch strips so I don't want to spend too much time on it. I will start cutting the strips tomorrow. I would really like to see your comments on this thread.

I am planning on making my first quilt. Happens to be a log cabin quilt as well. So, I’ve been doing my homework. Researching the enormous variations of patterns. Are you planning to go with the simple log cabin pattern? Most I have come across are 2.5” strips. However, I think I did stumble across a few patterns that are wider if that’s what you’re looking for. I’ll have to check my “book marks” and get back to you.
I am currently trying to find out if it’s possibly to incorporate “upholstery” fabric into mine. I’d like the middle square, the outer edge, and back of the quilt to be the same fabric as my best friends couch to match. Just a throw size. Perhaps a bit ambitious for my first quilt project. So I’m thinking about starting with a 4, 12” squares as throw pillows?
I’ll get back to you soon with wider log cabin strip patterns!
regards,
jess

Here’s a list of patterns. Not sure how helpful it’ll be. Unfortunately, there are no preview pictures. You have to go through each one. Also, they don’t give measurements. Hopefully, it may provide you with a spark of inspirational ideas!

http://www.tonibest.com/cdn/17/2011/797/

I’ll keep looking!

It depends on what you want the end result to be. The first log cabin I made I used EB book and 2 1/2 inch strips. It was nice and very traditional. I really like the log cabins made with narrower strips-more interest. I also like those that use different width of strips-wider for the color portion and narrower for the lighter side because they give a curved look to the patchwork. Judy Martin has one like that in one of her books-I hope to make it one day.

https://static.fatquartershop.com/me...es-Pattern.pdf
https://youtu.be/Imk-eRHPwmk

https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/easy...attern-2820934
for the jelly roll, I believe it takes 4 to make a king size!

Hope these are helpful to you in some way. When you’re finished I would love to see how it came out and how you decided to make it! Best wishes to you!

May your holiday season bring you and yours good health, success, fortune,happiness, joy, and, love!

Aloha!
jess

Be careful of the actual widths of the strips on the jelly roll. One of my UFOs is a gorgeous jelly roll of Northcott that was not all 2 1/2 wide.

First picture I used Marti Michell ruler for 2.5 inch strips, and they finished at 12 inches. A King size quilt that went together in less than a week.

2nd picture is a curved log cabin I made using the creative grids ruler, I used a jelly roll for the color and the the background is cut at 1.5 inches wide to achieve the curved look.

I loveeeeee log cabin quilts, the most accurate method I have found is Marti Michell’s way and her rulers make it quick and easy. Good luck with your quilt and don’t forget to share your pictures !

@tallchick i absolutely adore the 1st you posted. Where can i Find more info!

I actually prefer nothing wider than 1 1/2" strips for Log Cabin blocks and when I make a curved LC I use 1" strips as my skinny logs. But you can make them any size you like. I think it is not so much better as personal preference for the look you want.

Here is a series of 4 videos that demonstrates the Marti way.

https://youtu.be/tNdcNbsLXA4