I cut out after making sure that I have my machine set up for a perfect scant 1/4 inch seam. But then I also chain sew all the blocks at once! Ann

I'm kind of embarrassed to say this but I've been quilting since 1970 and have never made a traditional log cabin quilt. Let me emphasize the "traditional" part. However, this November I am going on another four day retreat and a friend of mine and I have promised each other we are going to make log cabin quilts. We are using Judy Martin's book that has the Snake River quilt in. My goal is to have my fabrics cut before retreat so I can just sit and sew with an occasional trip to the ironing board. Got to get a modicum of exercise in.

I am making a Courthouse Steps log cabin. Bought the book, took a 3 hr class, cut out my strips exact. Got to class and teacher said we cut just cut out the fabric strips and it was ok. So I sewed the exact strips and loved them in class. Came home and cut the strips and used them, did not love them. I know I spent way more time cutting the exact strips, but they do look way better. Have no clue why. I have to vote to cut the strips the exact size.

You guys are awesome, thanks so much for your input :)

I prefer the right size because the feed dogs take more and if you're not careful they become little bigger.

it's the only way that mine will all be the same at the end :oops:

I like to precut the pieces the right length. It's easier for me to keep the block squared. But which ever works best for YOU is the right way.

I do PP'in every chance I get. I don’t like to finger press. Instead, I also press each seam using a flat iron.

I love the strip piecing method. Love Eleanor's way love all her patterns.

I am strip piecing my first log cabin now. I am wondering how chain stiching works with log cabins. Do you do work several blocks at a time??

If I am doing a log cabin, I usually just strip piece it. Cutting is not my favorite chore, but I'd say its up to you

All my pieces are precut. For each side I take the correct size and add it to all of the blocks on that side. I just finished a 100 block log cabin.....and the whole thing goes so fast. The whole quilt was finished in less that 2 weeks, that included all the cutting, because i used all my scraps:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-150071-1.htm

This is what the piecing looks like with pre cut strips:

I'll never do pieces again. Much prefer Eleanor's method.

I had to do pieces once because the swap was 10 inch squares. In fact, I plan to sell my log cabin set as soon as I get one small project done that uses them.

I've made a bunch of log cabins, but I have no idea at all what a "log cabin set" is. Can you explain?

I like very scrappy log cabins with narrow logs, so for me, the strip method, and then squaring up, is the best way. I like having the freedom to make design choices every step of the sewing process.

If I were doing a planned, limited fabric choice lop cabin quilt, then I could see some value to cutting pieces before sewing.

My preference in log cabins is for that traditional, scrappy, vibrant effect. I just think it makes for a more interesting design. I think having some variation in the widths of the logs works well too. You can still have the blocks end up the same size, by trimming your final block.

RST

I strip piece and have never had a problem. When squaring up, the blocks are never more than a couple threads off. If your strips are cut accurately, the seam is an accurate scant 1/4 inch, and it is pressed correctly, your block should be fine, unless you are stretching your fabric as you sew.

Ditto.

Here's the strip method. You start with two long strips of fabric, then press
and cut into those pairs of squares then take those pairs to the machine and
add the next strip and so on.
http://stitchesinplay.typepad.com/st...-tutorial.html

Chain piecing is just taking all your cut strips and sewing one after the other.
First you sew two squares then add the next strip, etc. In other words you
do all the cutting first then sew. Clear as mud? :wink:

Personally, I found that any short-cut method ends up wonky for me.
If I do a log cabin I will starch then cut all my pieces then chain piece.

The strip method. To keep the block square, just square it up after each round. Comes out right every time.

I like cutting out the pieces. Just like any other patchwork.

I have not had any problems using the Eleanor Burns strip piecing technique. I have very little squaring up to do at the end when I use my own 2 1/2 inch strips. However, when I use the jelly rolls, I sometimes have to square up quite a bit at the end and sometimes my blocks end up being a little smaller because one or two strips were not exactly 2 1/2. But I have made some real nice log cabin quilts from her book. I like them. I have not done paper piecing for a log cabin.