Monday, January 30, 2012

Folded Log Cabin Instructions. . .

The folded log cabin blocks are now complete and ready for sashing and borders.
Here are the instructions to make a courthouse steps block with this technique.


The fabric requirements are:  muslin for block foundation; fabric for square centers; and, six fabrics for rows.  I cut an 8" square for each block from the muslin.  From each of the striped fabrics cut a 2" x WOF strip.  An additional strip is needed for the outer fifth and sixth fabrics.  Press each strip in half.  Cut a 2 1/2" square from the center fabric.  
Cut 4 - 2 1/2" strips from the first row fabric.
Place the center square into the center of the muslin foundation.  Lay one 2 1/2" strip on the center square with raw edges matching outer square edge, folded side in.  Sew 1/2" inside the folded edge.
I used the left edge of my presser foot as my seam guide.
Lay a second 2 1/2" strip on the opposite side, matching up the edge as previously described.  Sew.
Add the third and fourth 2 1/2" strips on the remaining opposite sides.  Square should still measure 2 1/2."
The remaining rows are sewn as follows:  lay the assigned strip 3/8" from the edge of the previous row's folded edge.  I recommend using a 1"x6" ruler for measuring.  Each strip needs to be measured as you go around the square.
When sewing, begin with a 1/4" tail.  When seam is complete, cut the strip 1/4" beyond the square edge.  Do not sew down the extra 1/4" of fabric.
This is what each strip will look like as sewn on.
Continue sewing strips around, remembering to measure each strip and sew 1/2" from the folded edge.
Each seam should be catching about 1/8" of the previous row's edge.
This is the 3rd row completed,

and the 4th,
the 5th,
and the 6th.   I'll trim up and join the blocks next time.


Until next time,

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Where can I purchase striped fabric? Manufacturer?

Anonymous said...

How do you longarm this foldy quilt?

The Green Heron said...

Manx tops are not quilted....the multiple thickness of folded fabric provide enough insulation. They may be lined.