My log cabin blocks aren't square :(

I'm working on a cute pattern to make a Canada flag. You can see it here Appliqué Patterns by scrolling to the bottom.

Essentially it is 12 log cabin blocks, 6 in reds and 6 in whites, and an appliqué of the maple leaf. It's super cute and should not be hard! The log cabin blocks start with two 1 1/4" squares and then build from there. The strips are 1 1/4" strips. Blocks should be 6" square. My two so far are both 6" wide x 5 1/4" high (and one 5 1/2" high). I'm feeling annoyed so I gave up for tonight. Tomorrow I will try again. Things I will trouble shoot:

- Hotter iron for a more precise press
- ensure my seam is indeed 1/4" (it measured so when I checked)
- I will make a red block as well and see how it measures. It seems like the red fabric is not as stiff? The white is a tone on tone that feels heavier and has a print on it (like a Swiss dot would?).

My fabric is quilting cotton, a 2.5" strip pack called Canada Eh! by Wilmington Prints.

Any suggestions? Are log cabin blocks usually exact squares???

Thanks!
Terri

Hi, Terri!

I have not yet made a log cabin quilt, but it is on my to-do list and I've been watching LOTS of tutorials on it from M*, Fons & Porter, and others.

My first question is: did you sew the blocks together using the chain piecing technique in Jenny's tutorial (and as used by some others)? Tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZTP...NShRAp6UEyQDB_

One of the tutorials I saw last week suggested NOT chain piecing the strips together, but rather to "build as you go". Tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNdc...NShRAp6UEyQDB_

Also in that tutorial (by Marti Michell) she reminds us to cut the strips on the length of grain.

Lastly, although Marti Michell is using the log cabin ruler she created, I did not find the tutorial to merely be an advertisement for her product -- I thought it contained a GREAT DEAL of wise info on making log cabin blocks.

Hope this tutorial is helpful!

Terri:

One more thing (sorry) ... the Marti Michell tutorial is part 1 of 4. You can find the other parts on Youtube by typing "Cutting Log Cabin Strips Marti Michell" or the next part will probably be in the thumbnail at the right of your Youtube video as you are watching part 1, part 2, etc.

I made log cabin blocks the easy way but I didn't measure to see if they are square. They don't look out of square but they may be off slightly. I don't worry about it unless something comes out quite wonky. I haven't encountered that problem. However, maybe it depends on the pattern that's being made if it really makes a difference. I have also read that it's better to pre-cut the strips and sew them together rather than doing it the way I did (sewing two strips together and then cutting to size). Are the blocks only slightly off or way off? If they are only a bit off I wouldn't worry about it, but that's just me.

I always cut each strip to size before adding to block. if it is too short or too long when you add it, you know you have a problem starting in the strips before it

When I made log cabin squares, I cut the fabric with my Creative Grids rulers, not with a special log cabin ruler, which did not seem to work for me. I laid out all the strips in the order in which I would sew them together. Build from the center & keep adding strips per instructions. I sometimes squared half way through. I squared each block when it was finished. Yes, the blocks should measure all the same if you have cut accurately & pieced consistently with a scant 1/2" seam. The only log cabin blocks I've made were in the Freedom Star quilt (see my albums).Attachment 113056Attachment 113057 Here are a couple pics of the blocks. The quilt was log cabins alternating with star blocks. These were made with Henry Glass fabrics.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JCY

These were made with Henry Glass fabrics.

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You know when you see a movie and it was so good you just couldn't imagine ANY other actor playing a particular part? Well, I thought something similar when I saw your blocks -- I just can't imagine THAT fabric any other way and looking so AMAZING! Wow, JCY!

I guess this is more of a question for the more experienced quilters:

If one fabric is thicker/studier than the other fabrics- would using a scant 1/4 in seam allowance help make up for the difference in the fabric thickness?


Katrina

All great advice! Thanks everyone. I need to fortify with coffee before I head into the sewing room. My blocks yesterday were out in one direction by 1/2-3/4". Too much. I also read that cutting the strips to size ahead will help so I'm going to try that plus focus on a better press. Will update!!

Terri

One more response, I was adding the log cabin to a long strip as I went, and squaring after. I think that was t a good technique.

you can also foundation piece your log cabin block. That will help to hold it's shape. You can also measure it at various points to make sure you staying sq.

Good ideas!! I am going with the pre-cut strips to size and then measure at various points. Next log cabins after
This project will be wonky, lol! This precise stuff stresses me out!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sewhappy1

you can also foundation piece your log cabin block. That will help to hold it's shape. You can also measure it at various points to make sure you staying sq.

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Well, I'm still not loving log cabin blocks, LOL. I did figure out, however, that my blocks were square, just smaller than the pattern said they should be. I had added one extra log on one side than I actually needed. I decided that smaller blocks would be ok with me. I also wonder if there isn't a problem with the pattern because on the pattern itself it says it will be 16x22", and then on the website and inside the pattern it says 14x20". My white blocks are all pretty close now...close enough from the back of a galloping horse at 50 feet? lol

I am just taking a break and I will start on the red blocks...unless I lay down and read some more of my book, which is also a great idea. ;)

Terri