lOG CABIN
 

When making a log cabin quilt, is it more time efficient to precut all the various strip lengths or to sew and trim as you go along?
JJES

I would say to trim as you go.

It really depends on the person how they enjoy the process. For me I like to cut all and start sewing one block at a time and I definitely don't like chain piecing and others swear by it. Try the two ways and see what you like best.

Good luck...btw log cabin is my favorite of all block :-)

30+ years ago I learned log cabin by strip piecing; I've taught log cabin using strip piecing for nearly 25 years.
I still prefer strip piecing to precut logs because the precut takes time to meticulously match the edges and still they occasionally shift a bit, which then requires trimming any way.

Jan in VA

I find that if I cut all the pieces first, and sew an accurate scant 1/4", all my blocks come out the same size - and square! When I sew and trim, sometimes the sides get wonky. Ann

I have to agree, well not the 30 +years part LOL My first log cabin was made with the help of Eleanor Burns book Log Cabin quilt in a day. It took me 3 days to make the top but it came out beautifully.

I agree! I've tried the other method and they are wonky.

The most important is to make sure each block is perfect size after each addition. Most of us can't make perfect blocks, I find for myself it is best to take the time trimming as I go.

I like to grab the next piece from a grab bag. So I trim after I have sewn. Of course, I do end up with a pile of "shorts" that I end up using for the centers.

I've used both methods. Each has it's pluses and minuses. I like how all your pieces are ready to sew if they're all pre-cut. It takes additional time, but I like taking baby steps. Not everything needs to be done in one day! I like chain sewing too. I like knowing what length it's supposed to be. Mine are usually a little off, but look fine in the end. I guess I've talked myself into the preference (for me) of having all my strips pre-cut. No surprises of running out of fabric that way!

I also like to cut each piece to the proper length before sewing it to the block. I found that strip piecing actually took longer for me, and my block was not as accurate. I also try to check my block after each round.

So good to hear that other quilters have the same problem as mine. I trim as I go. Also, I make my last strips a little wider so even if the block is a little wonky, it will be square. Good Luck and just enjoy making the top !!

I have done both ways and like them both but cutting all strips first will give you a better chance to make all blocks the same size . But if you are the Queen of easing in as I am then there is no problem either way. I will have to agree with the earlier post that it is great to know you have enough fabric before you start sewing:)

I just finished the Labyrinth Walk quilt top, and found that if I cut as accurately as I could, and eased if I needed to, that my blocks came out just about perfect. It is basically a log cabin block, first I've done, and I feel like I really learned something in the process. I'll post a picture when I can get a little help - it's huge!

For a traditional log cabin I cut each piece to length. I learned from Judy Martin's log cabin book. I find that the pre-cut pieces help me keep the block from getting out of square.

I have made several and tried both ways it was easier to keep the blocks the right size and not wonky by cutting the strips to length.

Has anyone tried paper piecing the block. I have heard that is the way to get perfect blocks. I haven't tried that yet but a log cabin quilt is planned for later this year. Still deciding who will get it then will pick the colors. I have decided that the center block for me will be all the same, just not sure of color choice yet.

mine are never perfect so all mine are Wonky Log Cabins..lol

i like the log cabin because it takes all that finicky work and throws it out the window. i have only made two log cabins - and one was an intentionally wonky picnic blanket, but i love the way the pattern just eats what in other works are mistakes.

now, if i was going to make a planned log cabin where all the fabrics were matched i might be more concerned. but there's a freedom in this tradition that allows the quiltmaker to let loose and just sew for pure pleasure, knowing it will all turn out :)

aileen

Because I don't always have 100% perfect seams and I do try my best to do so and for the most part my seams are good, but I tend to square up my block after each additional strip is added, that is what works for me.

Me too.....When all is said and done, mostly nobody notices except me anyway, even if a block or all of them are wonky. I just say that's my "humility block."

I've tried both methods and have not yet successfully made a log cabin block I'm happy wth. Probably my OCD kicking in, but I usually wind up with a good dust rag. Just sayin' ...

I agree-same for me

I log cabin quilts but didn't like cutting all those strips and trimming. I bought the Go log cabin die and it makes it so much easier. All strips are exactly the right length. I have enough strips cut to make quiet a few log cabins blocks whenever I feel like it. The strips also make great string blocks with all the different lengths.

I don't know if this would work for scrappies, but when I made one, I sewed the first two strips together, pressed them and cut all my chimneys and first strip at the same time. (They are the same size.) Then I laid the next strip right side up on the machine, and put all those first squares onto it right side down and sewed them on. Press, trim and lay all those squares onto the next strip. Press, trim and do the next strip, etc.

Works slick, and the thing is square because it is squared up after each addition.

I like to cute all my pieces first and then chain piece.

I agree--when I've tried strip piecing I lose track of where I am.

Maybe I'm confused but is there a pattern or instruction book for the strip piecing method? A friend was just talking about making one that way and how much easier it was. I think her book was older but she didn't mention the title.I would like to get some specific cutting and piecing directions. Thanks for any response.

I also do chain piecing but after I have cut the pieces apart I make sure I press well and square up as I go and have never had any problem.

When I've made log cabin quilts, I would sew and trim as I went along. I did make one lo cabin with paper piecing and the blocks all came out very precise.

I just cut the strips , sew and trim as I go along. About the only thing you have to really cut is the center block, then just add and trim.

I would precut . I've made a lot of log cabin quilts I always precut.

Sorry, I didn't get my instructions out of a book. We were at a 4-H quilt camp, and the instructors there showed us how to do it. Just remember that you always have to sew across a seam, and after the fourth piece added, you always sew over 2 seams. That starts when you put the last piece in the first round surrounding the chimney (the center square).

I started quilting with the Eleanor Burns log cabin book. It is the only way I have ever made a log cabin. I love the chain sewing because they go together so fast. I square up after every round and have never had a problem with different size blocks.

Easier to trim as you sew.

And I am doing a quilt right now where I am paper piecing Courthouse Steps (same thing). Very precise and accurate and I like to paper peice. Made my own paper foundations to do it.

I read if you cut your material Perpendicular to the salvage instead of cutting it edge to edge it works better with the Log Cabin. The material does not stretch when cut that way and it more accurate when sewing all the pieces.
Sloane

I think you've got to find what works for you best. I am lousy at pre-cutting all of the strips, and my blocks turn out wonky, even though I can piece a block and have it come out square. Go figure. I used Ellen Burn's book on log cabin quilts and learned to use strip piecing. It works like a charm for me.

Why don't you try each way of doing those log cabin blocks, and decide which works the best for you!!

I have enjoyed reading this post since I have started cutting strips for my log cabin quilt. I have cut all the centers from red fabric but the remainder will be scrappy. Thanks to everyone for their comments.