Pros and cons for construction of the Log Cabin
 

I'm getting ready to start a log cabin quilt and wonder what you feel is the most accurate method of construction. Do you like to cut each piece the specified length or work from long strips and trim after each addition. I'm more interested in accuracy rather than efficiency and can imagine that either method has it's benefits. Thank you in advance for any advice.

I paper-piece all my log cabins. Accuracy ever time.

I like to cut each strip the correct size

My method of choice as well!

I cut each piece their real size and measure after each seam. If I do it with strips, I am always off. I tend to sew a very scant qtr. The error compounds as I go along and none of the blocks are square.

I have made one log cabin. I took a class and we used the Eleanor Burns method of strips. No squaring off. We were all dubious. The instructor said "trust the process" and we did and all of our quilts turned out fine. I would do that again.

I cut each log to size before sewing it on. I think it is more efficient since I can do all the cutting before even starting the quilt, and I get immediate feedback as to whether my seams are right. If they're not, the logs don't fit and I can correct the problem before it goes any further.

Other hints from Judy Martin (queen of log cabins) - cut so that the log lies on the length of fabric if possible (can't always do that with scraps), and use starch on limp fabrics.

I paper piece too. Log cabins skew so quick and there never seems to be a way to get them back in line. If you don't paper piece, be sure to measure after each seam. When I tried to do it without the paper mine became a wonky log cabin ufo

If you don't paper piece, I've found that having the true straight of grain helps keep it accurate. I did one once and wasn't careful about the straight if grain. The blocks kept getting more and more bowed as I sewed more pueces.

One more vote for paper piecing. Log cabin blocks are very quick to go wonky!