partial seam/log cabin tutorial

The log cabin blocks I'm making for this quilt aren't "true" log cabins. 

These blocks are called ... uh ... hmm ... I can't remember what they're called!  And I can't seem to find it online or in any of my books.  Nutty nutbar.  If you know what this block is called, please tell me.  For now I'll call it a partial seam log cabin block.

Anyhow, if you look carefully at my block below you'll see that all 4 "logs" in each row around the center square are the same length rather than the small, medium, medium, large of a traditional log cabin block.

I think this block version isn't very common because partial seams are required.  And I'll come clean now by saying if I had to make this quilt all over again, I wouldn't bother doing it this way - I'd just go the regular log cabin route. 

But I got it in my head that because this quilt started with colours inspired by my blog header, I wanted to make it with a design that also references my banner. 

My first thought was to go with hexagons ... but I was afraid I might be overdosing ya'll on those, so I went with the little log cabin blocks - which I had just so happened to make this way.

There is method to my madness ... but madness it is. 

Seems like lots of you want to join me here in craycrayville and have asked me to show you how to make this log cabin block with partial seams.  I will warn you now that my small center squares are fiddly, but not impossible.  Okay?

To start, here are the cutting measurements I used:

• Center square = 1-1/4" x 1-1/4"
• First row logs = 1" x 1-3/4" 
• Second row logs = 1" x 2-3/4"
• Third row logs = 1" x 3-3/4"

• Finished block size = 3-3/4".  (And my sashing strips are cut 1-1/4" wide, if you're interested.)

Step 1 - With right sides together, lay a 1-3/4" log on the center square, lining up the top edges.  Starting at the top edge, sew a 1/4" seam that is 5/8" long.  Do NOT sew to the end of the square.

(Other side so you can see how far down the square to sew.)

Step 2 - Press the log away from the middle, but only the section that has been stitched to the square.  Do NOT press the entire log ... you don't want a crease on the unstitched part of the log.

Step 3 - Add the second 1-3/4" log across the top edge.

Step 4 - Add the third 1-3/4" log to the left side.

Step 5 - Add the fourth 1-3/4" log to the bottom edge, tucking the first log out of the way.

Step 6 - Now you need to finish the partial seam for the first log.  But here's where it gets a little fiddly.  Because the center square is so small, getting the sewing machine needle into the right spot is tricky.

To make it easier, I cut a little slit in the seam allowance, about 2 stitches up from the end of the partial seam.  Now the partial seam lays flat and is easy to sew.

Complete sewing the seam.

Press.

The first "row" is done.

Step 7 - Repeat Steps 1 & 2 for the first 2-3/4" log.  This time, sew the partial seam about half way down the log.

Remember to only press the stitched portion of the log.

Step 8 - Add the second 2-3/4" log to the top edge.

Step 9 - Add the third 2-3/4" log to the left side.

Step 10 - Add the fourth 2-3/4" log to the bottom edge, keeping the first log out of the way.

Step 11 - Complete the partial seam and press.  The partial seam is easier to deal with this time because the seam is longer and there's enough room to stitch without clipping the seam allowance.

Step 12 - The third row - with 3-3/4" logs - goes on the same way as the second row.

And there you have it.

After a few of these blocks you'll be able to do partial seams in your sleep. 

Comments

[Karen]

nice tutorial! pretty fabric also!

[kim]

Fiddly {if thats a word} but oh so Pretty!!! Thanx for the tute :)
xx

[Bernie]

What's your address, so I can send "the men in white coats"? I think this really qualifies for "certifiable"....but it IS pretty.

[nanette]

wow thanks for the time to explain, I was a bit confused when you said it wasn't a traditional log cabin. but I vaguely remember making a block like this years ago for a sampler quilt and thinking "wow this is hard, sort of, but the look is fantastic" I love the outcome. It is worth the extra time I think. Not that I will do this myself in the near future but I absolutely love this version of log cabin. I think it is much purer than the other version. Delightful. thank you.

[Archiethewonderdog]

They're beautiful!

[Hildy]

I don't know what this block called either. But it looks pretty good and definitly worth the extra work:-)

[T]

I think it is courthouse steps. Love the fabric selections.

[Monique]

Your work is perfection:)

[Marji]

The block is sweet. Thanks for this tutorial. Not to mention all the beauty and laughter you give us so often!!!

[greg]

They are beautiful! But I might need chocolate (or a nap) after completing each block!

[Sue B]

Courthouse steps you do opposite sides equal. No idea what it's called.

[Marge]

I think it's called: "Variation on a log cabin block that only crazy people attempt."

It's beautiful, but i can guarantee I'll never make it! Uff da!

[Sheila]

I'm not a quilter, but so admire their beauty and the had work that goes into them.

sheila

[Sonya Mullis]

LOVE the fabrics and colors you chose! It just makes me feel happy! Very impressive work!

[Cheryl]

Thanks for the tute. I don't think I've ever seen log cabin blocks sewn this way. I must try it sometime just for the challenge!
Cheryl

[Robin]

It looks like a variation of the Bright Hopes block. Same technique, just not as many "rounds."

[sabrina]

we call it little wood house

[Jacqueline]

Thank you so much for sharing this - I can't wait to try it out.

[Melodee]

Thank you! I've been curious as to how you make those. They're so pretty!

[Carla]

The most lovely log cabin blocks ever!

[rosa]

Fabulous tuto and fabrics.Happy sewing!!

[Kathleen O'Grady]

I have fabric for a quilt all cut out that has partial seams in it also and I have been dreading it unsure of sewing it wrong, but your tutorial makes it nice and clear. Love your blocks they are so sweet and pretty, it will be a beautiful quilt when you finish. Thanks for another great post!

[Stephie]

Definitely crazy!!! Beautiful blocks though :)

[lori jones]

WOW I love the quilt!! the colors are sooo pretty. at first glance i thought that it was a court house steps but then read your description and looked again. i think i agree with you on doing it the other way. But this IS really pretty!!!

[Jennifer B]

Better you than me but oh sooo yummy!

[Liz]

Hi - that is beautifully crazy. I'm actually trying to contact you about a QAL I'm doing from your beautiful book, but I can't find your email address. Can you respond and I can give you the details (and make sure you don't mind!). I have a little blog in NZ.
A overview is at http://shushimquilting.blogspot.co.nz/p/abc-bow.html?m=0
Thanks
Liz

[Bari Jo]

THANK YOU! I wanted to know how to do this! :O) Now... where's the chocolate.....so I can try it....

[Meredithe]

Madness.....but well worth the effort! looks so cute and great tutorial.

[Xanthe]

Holy crapola! You are amazing. Seriously, so fiddly!!! Hats of to you :)

[Jeanie]

You have the patience of a saint! These are SO pretty. I loved seeing the tutorial, but I think I will just enjoy your version:)

[Maria Filomena]

magnífico!!!!!!


Maria Filomena

[littlequilter]

Yes....This definitely is the Bright Hopes Block ! : )

[Dottie]

Hi,
I have been looking for the name of this pattern. I got fabric for a quilt in the late 80's and I am now just finishing it. What an old UFO. I don't have a pattern just the notes from my aunt. I am going to be updating my blog as soon as I figure out how to bring the photos off my phone. Thank you everyone who gave the name.

[Jan]

That is the way my Granny taught me to make a log cabin many years ago.

[Eva]

Just saw this on Pintrest. Your fabrics are adorable! I love the log cabin effect design but seems difficult to get the partial seams right.

I love your style. You are my all time favourite blogger. Please keep sharing your unique style and continue being an inspiration.

Eva

[Béatrice]

Thanks a lot for this tutorial.
It's exatly what I want. I don't like log cabin which has got 2 squares in the middle. It's what I've seen many years ago.
Béatrice from france

[Carmel]

I love your fabrics, where do you get the one with the words on it....so sweet...
Want to try this quilt can I just add an inch to all the measurements to make it larger?

[Marian]

Very nice but all the extra headache not worth it to me...traditional log cabin or courthouse steps would work! Lovely fabrics too