Paper piecing a Curved Log Cabin
 

I am collecting and cutting fabric for a Curved Log cabin to make for my parents from a Fons and Porter pattern I found on a blog (can't remember the name of the blog right now) and from the video on YouTube. I was wondering if it was possible that I could make a paper piecing pattern from the pattern I already have? It calls for strips with a width of 2" and 1.75" of varying lengths. I already have a good majority of the fabric cut into the widths needed (haven't cut them into the different lengths yet), so would I still be able to draft a Ppiecing pattern and use these strips? I've never made a log cabin before so I'm worried about accuracy and stretching.

Curved log cabins are pretty and I have one on my design wall as we speak; may I ask why you want to paper piece it? I am doing mine with just a ruler and 1.5 in narrow strips and 2.5in wide strips and it's working up relatively quickly, IMHO paper piecing would just be more work. However if you really want to paper piece it, I would imagine you could do so. Do show us your completed project when done!!

I haven't paper pieced anything, but I don't see why a LC would need it. Is this your video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ree9P2-A5o

A curved LC wallhanging is on my bucket list.

I don't have a large stash by some standards, but it's big enough that when I want to make a quilt, I go shopping in my cabinet. It keeps me from having to drive over a half hour to a LQS.

Here is another curved log cabin tutorial, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZTP3h_tIGE great if you want to use pre-cuts.

You should check this way out it is great and comes in 2 sizes. It makes it so easy and perfect each time http://www.citysedgestudio.com/shop/...bin-trim-tool/

Your original question was whether you could paper piece your log cabin after having cut your strips. Usually for paper piecing you cut your pieces larger than the finished patch plus seam allowances and then trim after sewing to the paper. However log cabin patches are all very regular in width (one of two widths, in the case of the curved log cabin), so I think this plan would work if you line up your strips very carefully. I would try it out on one block just to see.

I agree with the others that paper piecing is not usually called for with a log cabin block, unless the strips are very narrow, or the fabrics are difficult to work with. However paper piecing does produce a very accurate block, and you might find that this method works best for you.

Yup, that is the video I was referring to. The reasons I was wanting to use paper piecing is that I'm worried about making wonky blocks and stretching. Could starching the strips before sewing help with the stretching?

What about measuring the block after each round if not using paper piecing? Is there a video showing how to do that without some specialized ruler? I saw the Creative Grids ruler last weekend but it was $22. Will have to save for that one.

Does anyone have tips for making this blocks as accurate as possible? It will be for my parents so I want it to be well-made, ya know? It'll be king-sized if that makes any difference.

The LC block is a very forgiving block. I made this offset (curved) LC using 1.5" and 1" strips and did not PP. Yes a few of them came out a wee bit wonky. But can you find any of them?

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I precut all my logs which helps some and there were a few cases of stretch but all in all it was no trouble to get the quilt together. Each LC unit measured 6 1/2" and each block consists of 4 units. I used my regular 6 1/2" square ruler to check each one as I completed it. I didn't worry for the ones that were 1/8" off. Any square ruler will work. It went together really fast and easy. It was my "mindless" sewing project. Now to find time to quilt it.

I would proceed assembling the quilt without PP. Why add the extra work? Your parents are sure to love the quilt no matter what, because YOU made it especially for them.

Edited to add, LOVE your Avatar. What a beautiful GSD. I have two Shilohs and they are the lights of my life. GSD is 3rd smartest breed of dog, right behind border collie and poodle.

Thank you feline fanatic, I think that's exactly what I needed to hear. I'd like to take it to a longarmer once it is finished so hopefully if I just take my time and go slow it'll turn out okay. According to the pattern I have the blocks will finish at 9".
And thank you for complimenting my little buddy's (Harley) picture, well, he's 90 pounds so not exactly a "little" bud, LOL. Those Shilohs are gorgeous dogs, too.