dunster

What I do is I cut strips 1.5" wide, stacking them if possible. I have bins already set up for every length I will need from 1.5" to 9.5". I cut various size logs from this strip, placing them in the bins immediately. (I have one set of bins for light, another for dark.) I might start with a 9.5" log, then an 8.5", then whatever else I can get from this strip. On the next set of strips I start with a different length - maybe 7.5", 6.5", and then whatever fits. As I progress, I can see which of the bins are getting fuller and I try to keep them about equal. If I plan on using only red and gold for the centers, I only cut red, gold, and lights in the 1.5" length. Usually I will have several strips from each fabric, so I can cut all lengths from each fabric. Other times I only have enough of a fabric to cut a few 3.5" or smaller logs. This method works really well for me, and I think it's also easier to mix the fabrics up when you're sewing them on than when you're doing the Eleanor Burns method.

kflan

If you don't mind the extra time it takes to paper piece, that is the way to go. I have made several log cabin quilts using the paper piecing method. I love that my blocks are consistent. I never like to hurry when I sew as that ruins the process for me. I think it is a matter of personal preference.
I am sure whatever method you choose, you will have a beautiful quilt.

maryb119

I've done both ways. When I was making 4 inch finished log cabin blocks, I paper pieced them for accuracy but when it's a larger block, I did not paper piece.

maggiek

You can even buy muslin pre-printed foundations for both standard and uneven log cabin blocks. I have used these and it really makes the process easy. No measuring and precutting.

Jill

Amen!!! I finished one this past summer where I increased the width of the strips, thinking it wouldn't make that much difference...it did! Bottom line to the story is that I ended up with two big quilts and a smaller one that was 56x56. Worked out great, I guess--I gave one to each son and one for us.

Quiltmaniac2010

I also found that cutting the strips to length works best. If I just sewed the strip on and then cut it, it didn't work out. The centre square pieced to the muslin sounds like a great idea!

quilterfly

May I add....If you put a piece of batting on top of the muslin & sew your strips over the batting you'l have an almost finished block when you're done. For this method it's best to cut your muslin a little larger than the finished block will be. When you're ready to assemble your blocks, fold the muslin back & trim the batting/strips 1/4" wider than you want the completed block to be, then machine sew the blocks together using only the front piece (strips). When all is sewn together you can finish the back by folding the muslin to the inside & slip-stitch by hand ( it can be done by machine also, but everything needs to be precise if you do it that way)

grammysharon

I love to paper piece but I would do the strip method for log cabin. :D

peacebypiece

to Amybaby,
Precision starts with Washing, pressing, starching fabric. This process helps to shrink and straighten the grain of fabric.
Then get a large rotary cutting mat with the grid printed on it to help keep everything straight and a yard long cutting ruler with grid, oh, and a good rotary cutter. I worked at a sewing store for two years and had to "finish" a small log cabin quilt another employee had started for display, then left on "medical" leave and never came back. First I had to take the whold D--- thing apart because nothing fit right. NONE of her strips were the same size, so I had to recut most of them. Yeah, I finally got it done. We should have classes on fabric cutting for beginners.
NOTHING you sew will fit together properly unless it is cut correctly. Then sew STRAIGHT. Slow down. There is no prize for getting to the end first, and it has nothing to do with the price of your machine.
Paper piecing is a lot of work just to avoid sloppy cutting. Also take the time to press before sewing on the next strip.
By the way, there are some very nice "wonky cabin" quilts out there, but they are deliberately cut to go off square for the effect.
Hey, now we have a use for all the fractions and other math they made us learn way back in elementary school.

Momsmurf

I've done paper piecing, but would not bother doing it for a log cabin block. As Otis says, they go together quick and easily. If you feel your piecing isn't really accurate yet, the paper piecing might be the route to take until you are more comfortable with the strip piecing or cut to length method.
Work within your own comfort zone. :thumbup: