Crazy Question
 

I’m making a log cabin quilt from scraps and I’m afraid I chose the wrong material for the center square. I probably should have used the same solid color for all the center 2” squares. I’ve made six blocks. Moving forward, I thought I’d just start doing that. My question is though, can I rip the center square out and replace it w/o ripping the whole block? I have 4 rows (or whatever you call them) of logs sewn together

Sure you can. It will be a bit awkward but totally doable. I have had to remove a couple of 2” squares from a completed quilt top that I put in wrong side up. I am terrible at describing processes but once you take out that center square it will be pretty obvious as to how to replace it.

Yes, you can change out the squares with careful ripping and careful re-stitching!

Mark the seams on the new piece so you can see where to stop stitching. You don't want to over-stitch or under-stitch the seam lines. Good luck!

I did my log cabin all scrappy including the Center square.

I wouldn't bother reworking those 6 blocks. Go ahead and make the rest of your blocks using the same center square if you want, then just scatter the original 6 blocks throughout the quilt. Since it's scrappy, they'll fit right in.

I agree with Pam, don't redo your first ones if you go scrappy just add more fabrics to the mix. I'll often use the traditional red or yellow center square, but not always. I've used all the same and all random. Also I've used bigger or smaller squares than the logs for the center.

If you decide you really hate those blocks, I'd probably just applique a square of a different fabric over the top.

Typically I work in a scrappy style and I usually make a few extra blocks just in case the fabrics aren't behaving nicely. Sometimes my favorite blocks are the trouble makers and don't get used! I used to just have orphan blocks but nowadays in that case I'll put just them in the backing somehow. So making more is always an option.

I too agree with Pam, I wouldn't be ripping them out only because of the work you have already put into these scrappy blocks. Putting them through out the quilt will be a treat. there is an old saying, "there is no such thing as a perfect quilt. The only perfect quilter is God." Many perfect quilts have intentional "mistakes". These blocks will becomes part of the 'plan'.

Another vote for Pam's suggestion.

Do you like the random look of different center squares, or do you really want consistency? If consistency, make the rest from here on all the same color, but consider using the six you’ve already made on the back.

I don't think I would resew. You've gotten some great suggestions. I would probably go for the backing suggestion - but the Applique idea is inspired.

If you really don't want to use them in the quilt top you could make a table runner with them or a small wall hanging

I did think about trying to sew a new piece of red over the square.
Thanks for the suggestions! Not sure what I'll do just yet, I just ordered some red and more vintage style material to add to it, since I don't think I'll have enough. Anxious to get back at it!

I agree with "Pam S". Just continue making your blocks and scatter the first blocks with different centers around in your quilt. Keep moving on with your blocks b/c ripping out the center would be time consuming but it is possible.

I use different centers throughout my log cabins, so I would not be bothered by leaving them as-is. Also I think it would take me just about as long to replace the centers in the 6 blocks as to make 6 new blocks.

I have ripped centers from log cabin blocks. I use a very sharp scalpel blade and carefully "saw" through the stitches to remove center. I then cut a new center slightly larger than the original. I use fusible web to attach the new center to the block. Once the block is quilted, the quilting stitches will hold the new center in place.

So yes, it can be done.

I replaced these yellow blocks after the entire top was pieced. They used to be pink. I knew I wouldn't like the top if I didn't change them, so I carefully picked the pink ones out and replaced them with the yellow. I'm not sure about your log cabin, but I ended up using a Y Seam to get them back in, if I recall correctly.

If I was going to do it again, I would cut a new centre slightly larger than the old one, after backing it with something like Steam a Seam 2 Lite, fuse it directly over the one that was already there and then do a small buttonhole stitch around it with matching thread.

Watson

Sure you can but do it, carefully. Just this afternoon I had quilt top in the barn raising style lay out finished. So I thought. I found an error in in the second row from the top in the middle, Flipped squares. Fixed carefully. Hung it up on my quilt wall and............Found another pair of flipped squares. They are in the middle of the top and four rows in from the left side. Tomorrow. So, pick it out the center squares carefully, press and add the new little square to your log cabin. blocks. A bother for sure, but you will be pleased in the end and you only have 6 to correct. https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png

Applique a square over the center in the color you've chosen.

Every quilt I make there is always something that I change my mind about, and I have to remove it. I have tried to ignore them but then it becomes hard to even work on it - so I break down and make the change. So do what makes you happy and what will keep you sewing.

I like what you said. I'm also with" the leave them in" group.

I think it would most likely be more trouble and time than it is worth. How you place the blocks at the end is important also.