Log Cabin Blocks
 

I have a halloween wall hanging pattern that calls for 1 1/2 inch strips.

The directions state " Using 1/4 inch seams, and your favorite method for log cabin blocks make 6.5" blocks (6" finished size" using 1.5" strips.

I don't do the paper piecing method..... and the directions don't say how big to make the first center block.

Does anyone know how big to cut the center block to end up with a 6.5" block from 1.5" strips?

I believe you would make the center block 1 1/2 inch square. That is the way I start a log cabin, with the center square the same width as the strips.

I just found a 8.5" block starts with a 2.5"x2.5" square.

So for a 6.5" block I'm guessing maybe a 2x2" square?

OK, I'll try that Joy... thanks so much for your fast reply. It's a wall hanging so a bit smaller or bigger won't make a big difference, I wouldn't think.

I was just so excited, I had all my strips cut, and I didn't know how to start.

I always use 1.5" strips, and a 1.5" square center (all unfinished measurements). Some people start with a larger center. It's all a matter of taste. I usually make a 9" block, but you could stop at 6".

Thanks for the answers, it looks like a cute wallhanging. I'll be sure to post a picture when I'm finished. :)

Same as your strips-------1.5" But there's going to be a technical problem. If you use a center/chimney block and then 3 strips per side, the result will be 7.5 (.5 of the is seam allowance for joining.) If you NEED 6.5" blocks, two sides won't have three strips. In other words, your block will be uneven. OR you'll have to go with the 3 complete rounds AND the chimney--------then allow just a hair less than a 1/3 of an inch for seam allowances. Will result in strips about 5/6 of an inch when completed.

Actually, you can make your center/chimney block any size you want, but I think the center the same size as the strips is traditional.

Since they didn't tell you to cut square a different size, I'm sure they wanted you to use the same strips for the center block on the log cabin.

this is the way i do it, but some patterns do call for a different sized center. since there is no direction to cut any other size, i would do the 1.5" square.

Draw it out on graph paper.
I made a 6.5" square.
I drew the inner logs at 1" (because the seams took up the .5")
I drew the four outer logs at 1.25" (because only one seam allowance has been used at this point)
I drew the hearth 'block' at 2.5" because that was the only size left in order for the block to turn out at 6.5"

This gives you a log cabin with two logs on each side of a large hearth.

ANOTHER OPTION:
Make your hearth block a 4-patch of 1.5" squares and make it 3 squares of dark with 1 light (or 3 light and 1 dark) logs.
This will make your log cabin appear not to have a hearth block, so if that hearth color isn't necessary for the design, this is a good way to go.

Jan in VA

Bright lady! I didn't think about increasing the center/chimney to allow the block to work out as she stated. I just know three rounds will end up with a 7" (plus seam allowance) block.

Oh Jan you're so dang smart. :thumbup: