susansomethings

I have read & heard it said Log Cabin is an easy quilt to make. But I have also heard that some people have problems with it being crooked . I am wanting to make a Log Cabin...but I really want it to be stright and neat. What I am looking for is important tips that will help it come out really nice. Whats your best do's or dont's...I just thought it would be eaiser to ask then to search...all you ladies are so great in what you do..all info will be greatly appriciated.

dunster

1. Get Judy Martin's log cabin book and follow her instructions.

That's the end of my list!

ckcowl

i agree with dunster---the Judy Martin Log cabin book is a great resource & will guide you along a very successful path.
cutting straight, sewing straight & pressing correctly are the keys to nice straight even blocks whether it's log cabin, 9-patch or any other blocks...

gollytwo

If you're worried about keeping the strips straight you might piece them onto a foundation base. I did one on an old sheet that I cut into 10" squares. Worked very well.

Lori S

I could not agree more! They are well worth the investment... either that or paper piece the whole thing.Lots of paper to take out and its easier to just follow the Judy Martins methods.
One more tip ... starch all your fabrics prior to cutting. It is well worth the effort. When in doubt starch!

Crqltr

Plus starch!

Prism99

I think it really depends a lot on the individual person. I love making log cabin blocks and have never had a problem with them being crooked. I do not prewash my fabric before cutting it into strips (using the June Tailor Shape Cut mat). I do not use a foundation. I do chain-type production sewing using strips; I never pre-cut my log cabin blocks. The blocks always come out really nice and I have no problems sewing them together. If someone is getting a crooked block, then the easiest solution is to make the last strips a little wider, then cut the block down to correct size. (I have never had to do this.)

I tried the Judy Martin log cabin book and started a quilt using her methods. It just about drove me crazy. There is a ***lot*** of work involved in cutting all those logs! Went back to my strip piecing method and am much happier.

stillclock

i just made a queen sized one. i didn't paper piece, nor starch. what i did do was take it one strip at a time, and i divided my blocks into four groups. this ensured some degree of randomness to each block and kept me from feeling overwhelmed by the number of blocks i had to complete. i posted pictures in the picture forum if you want to see mine.

one tip i have for you is to lay out your finished blocks and take a picture of them before piecing the rows together. it was MUCH easier for me to see placement errors in the photos than on the floor.

i used the directions from the fons and porter complete guide. it was simple, clear and the final results are awesome (or at least i think so....)

enjoy

aileen

117becca

I just bought a Judy Martin book and it is wonderful - There are 3 different patterns in there I can't wait to do!

The key - accuracy!!! She is very thorough even w/ which direction to press the seams.

I also have to 2nd the taking a picture of your layout. I'm working on this quilt and I'm not seeing what I'm wanting to - but in a picture, I can see. Yeah for me!

luana

I love this new Creative Grids log cabin ruler. It comes in two sizes. You square up after each round of "logs" so your block never gets wonky.