measurements for 6 1/2" unfinished log cabin pattern
 

Ok--my brain is not working today!! I am needing a 6 1/2 " unfinished log cabin block for a block exchange I am doing with my quilting group ladies and I can't seem to find a pattern in any of my books. Any help with cutting measurements will be greatly appreciated. I have a pattern from Eleanor Burns book but it doesn't seem to be the right measurements---- or---I can't comprehend it right now!!! Thanks in advance for any help.

Cut a foundation 7" square, start with your center square 1 1/2" square, then start adding your strips around the square. Trim to 6 1/2" when your foundation is covered.

Since the block size is small, I am going to assume that you would be using 1" finished logs. The problem is, if the center is also 1" then the center won't really be in the center of the block, because there will have to be three 1" logs on one side of the center and only two on the other side. I don't know if you have any requirements other than it be a log cabin, so one solution to keep the center in the center is to make the center block 2" finished.

Edited (after I looked at my pictures) - the first picture should show the red center moved down on, and where it is there would be a light color. This would maintain the stairsteps in the log cabin. But notice that the center is still off-center.

This is what I should have posted above in place of the 1st picture.

You need your center sq 1 1/2 in and 3/4 inch logs. These are finished sizes.so cut center at 2 in and cut logs 1 1/4

Thank you everyone for the suggestions and advice on the log cabin block. I am using someone else's fabric so I am very nervous not to waste. I will try both suggestions (maybe with scrap fabric) and see which pattern I prefer. Once again, thank you --I knew the QB people would come thru for me.

All I can add is a suggestion to use lighter colors for the light ones. At least that is the look I prefer.