Mariah

I did a l.c.quilt with a foundation, and it turned out fine. A friend who taught home ec at the college had me come to her house and see how to do it without a foundation.
She had the strips ready and showed me how to make a log cabin block by just stitching around the center, then around the strips to the size block you want. It turned out fine! Now, I have made another l.cabin quilt and a wall hanging with that technique.
I figured she knew what she was talking about having taught home ec. in college for 20 years. Saves buying muslin or whatever for the foundation.
Good luck!
Mariah.

MiMi in Lutz

I agree. That is what I do. What is it with all this backing stuff?

kellen46

Check out Eleanor Burns log cabin technique, super simple and no backing needed. One thing...use a walking foot.

Dae Kuczma

I've never used muslin backing on log cabin blocks. Why would you?

misseva

That's why I use muslin - for stability. I don't have to worry if my strips (usually scraps) are on the bias or not. I'm working on one right now.

mac

I made a 36" x 42" log cabin wallhanging using 1 inch strips and I didn't need to use a foundation backing. Of course, it is just a wallhanging and won't be taking a lot of abuse like a bed quilt would, but I used 1/4 inch seams and that should be good enough to hold together just like a big quilt. So, I would think that as long as you are not using scraps that you really wouldn't need to foundation piece or paper piece.

argranny

I have made 4 or 5 log cabins and I didn't use anything and they turned out fine.

Annz

If never used it and don't see the need to.

spindreams

Thanks May, for the advice to make the last 4 strips a little wider for squaring up the block. Great idea!

J.

chicagoshar

I teach the log cabin block to beginning quilters. They've done really well with it, without muslin backing. I also found the 1/4" foot was key, also I have students measure the block when they finish each 'go round', so they make sure their blocks are all the same size.
Recently, I started a new quilt "Cabin of the Bear" and they recommend the muslin backing. My rule of thumb when starting a new quilt is always to follow the directions the first time. What a waste of time and effort. It took way too much time and I really don't feel it adds anything but bulk to the quilt. If I teach this quilt, it won't be with muslin backing.