beetle

So I decided to play around with log cabin blocks because I love log cabin quilts but also because they are supposedly a good block for beginners, like me.
I have no idea what the problem is but this just has not been going well. And they're so simple yet, they just won't come out right for me.
Maybe I didn't cut some of the fabric on the straight grain. I don't know.
Seriously, log cabin blocks are supposed to be "easy", right?

bluebird

Have heard that they are easy, but I sure can't get them to come out straight. Maybe we have to paper piece them. :roll:

patricej

show us some pics. somebody will have some good advice. ;-)

jstitch

My experience is that, while log cabin blocks are simple, they are not easy.

I have always had trouble getting the darn things to end up the right size, so now, I measure each round, after I sew it on and make sure it finishes the correct width, and trim if it doesnt.

I dont want to frighten you off. Just jump in and do it.. we only get better by making mistakes..

And post your problem children as we can possibly offer you some tips from our own experiences and mistakes.

beetle

No way! These things are fugly! I'm not showing anyone. :lol:

beetle

Paper peicing log cabin blocks... please tell me it's not come to that.

Yeah, it's like they don't come out straight and even though I cut accurately (I think), each log doesn't seem to be the right length. Weird.

Maybe, it's just not my block.

beetle

I can end up with a little extra at the end of the log after sewing it, even though I know I cut it the right length.

Maybe my instructions were wrong. Yeah, that's it. :wink:

ScubaK

I start with a square and make sure that is correct in size.
Then make sure you are using a 1/4 inch seam and it is not wavering at all.
Trust me on this.
All seams must be 1/4 inch from start to finish for the length of the seam.
One thing that I used to do was iron (you know, move the iron from side to side) with steam...that makes everything wonky. I now only press (down, then up away) with a dry iron.
I then square up every time after every strip has been placed.
Makes it all easier to correct while constructing rather than having to rip and then reconstruct.
I hope this helps you.
They are, indeed, supposed to be very easy.
Kirsten

lyndawn

Starch, Iron, and trim:) Don't shy away from the trimming. I dont' know how you are making the blocks, but try making them all at the same time. It goes really quick.

I made a king size a while back. You sew all the blocks to a strip, cut apart, iron, then trim them all.
Hope that made at least some sense..LOL

Lynette

Moonpi

I guess I am not as obsessesive about finished sizes as others. I add a light and dark side, then square up. before joining blocks, I double check that all blocks are the same size. If they got noticeably smaller, I just add that to the border width.

I also piece in strips, so I don't cut them apart until the edge is sewn on.