Log Cabin Problems Continue
 

Still on my first log cabin. One log is 8" x 2 1/2" and when block is sewed together that log is rippled. Any ideas what happened? That log is the widest and the center of the block. It's a 9 1/2" x 17 1/2" block.

I'm sorry your having problems, can you post a picture, that might help us help you better.

As tallchick said, a picture would help. I just finished my first log cabin and all of the strips were the same width. The lengths were different, of course. I used the Patriotic Log Cabin from the QOV website. It seemed to go together pretty well, even though I feel like I sometimes struggle with accuracy.

Did you cut your strips along the lengthwise grain or crosswise grain?
Cutting along the crosswise grain would cause it to stretch.
I would also recommend starching your fabric and use a very thin line
of washable school glue (instead of pins) and press with your iron to
dry the glue before sewing. No stretching when you sew that way.

When I make log cabins, I cut the strips to the needed length, from 1.5" to 12.5". I find this controls the cabins better than using a long strip of fabric and just cutting it off at the end of the stitching.

I can't help. I always cut out segments for quilts on the WOF. Gentle handling when sewing will not stretch fabrics. I also never starch anything.

If you cut lengthwise instead of WOF there is a stretch in the fabric, it is better to cut strips first, rather than using a long strip of fabric and stitching and cutting as you go, as again you can get a slight stretch on each strip and this will distort as you add more strips.

What is that 8 x 2 ½ " piece attached to? If it is attached to a unit, did you measure that unit before stitching them together to make sure it measured the 8" ?

I made a Judy Martin Log Cabin quilt and I found that it is a must to accurately cut the logs and accurately sew the seams. I used a magnetic seam guide that i bought at joann's to keep my seams perfectly straight. It's too easy to veer off the bottom, throwing off the finished product.

I also pinned the bottom of the log if it was a longer piece - even 5 or 6 inches to keep the pieces even. Also double check you bottom piece when sewing to make sure that you edges are lined up even.

With log cabin pieces being narrow to start w/, sewing just a bit off really shows up.

I made a dress once and the last seam rippled. I ripped and re-sewed that seam so many times, no success. Did all the things like checking the threading of the machine, tension and replaced the needle. Never finished the dress. A few years ago, attending a quilting seminar I learned I should have used the even feed/walking foot. No rippling.