Hmmm.... What to do with all those leftover bits...

Making patchwork is a fun and creative way to use up scraps of fabric you still love. One traditional patchwork combination is the Log Cabin square. Here’s how to put one together.


All you need is to be able to cut, measure, and sew a seam! Here's how you make one log cabin square.

First, get a set of strips of fabric. They should all be 1.75 in wide. A quilter's rotary cutting tool, cutting mat, and one of those hard plastic rulers are indispensable!

Cut the following 9 pieces in a mix of pattern and color that you like: 2 X 1.75 in., 2 X 3 in., 2 X 4.25 in., 2 X 5.5 in., 1 X 6.75 in.


Begin with the 2 squares. Put them right side together and sew a .25 in. seam like this:


Then, turn your new piece upside down and press the seams apart and flat so you should have something that looks like this:


Next, take a 3 in piece and place it right side together with the piece you just made. They should fit exactly. Sew another .25 inch seam.


Continue adding pieces, from small to large, going around a circle, being sure to always touch part of the most recent piece you added--I mean, go clockwise or counterclockwise, but be consistent.


You will end up with a square that could be used any number of ways—maybe as fabric coasters, in bags or pillows, as part of a quilt or wall hanging—anything you can come up with!

Post written by BennyAndHeidi