and me makes 3 :!:

For me, I love the accuracy of having pieces the right size to begin with. I started making log cabin quilts with Marti Mitchell's book, "Log Cabin ABC's" and am totally pleased with her way! I think her advice of cutting strips on the length of the fabric is spot on.

An added bonus is I get to admire all those pretty little piles of pre-cut strips just waiting for me!!

I cut the sizes otherwise my blocks don't end up sized correctly as I work along.

I just finished a king size using the strip method. It looks great but I think I would precut to length next time. I had to square all the blocks a few times because it doesn't seem quite as accurate.

If I am making blocks with only a few times around, I use Eleanor's way but...if there are a lot of logs around, cut the pieces to size and chain piece and press between each log. I find that it keeps the blocks more square.

I have done it both ways but prefer the cut to size strips.

Since I seem to have never used a few methods - please explain.

What is strip method?
What is chaining pieces?

Maybe I'll learn more about quicker and precise ways to quilt.

Thanks

I cut my log cabin strips using the accuquilt go 1 1/2 " strip die. I did not need to trim. The blocks came out precise. Check out this YouTube tute.
it was very fast and accurate.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjdVEEw8BWU
8 min - Mar 4, 2010 - Uploaded by mgbusb
Shows how to cut 25 strips at a time using the Accuquilt Go Cutter Cutting guide can be found at http://b-quilts.com/blog.

Each log has a size: width x length. We all cut the same width.

Some quilters then cut the predetermined length and sew the logs on in order.

Other quilters sew to lengths of fabric and then cut. This is chain sewing.

Thanks - so I guess chaining is just sort of semi-sewing in a row to keep things in order. Still confused on stripping. Does that mean just making lots of pieces the same size?