Christmas Wreath Log Cabin Quilt Pattern

By Janet Wickell

Quilting Expert

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Make a Christmas Log Cabin Quilt

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Christmas Log Cabin Quilt Pattern - Janet Wickell

Christmas Log Cabin Quilt. Photo Credit: Janet Wickell

Updated November 11, 2015.

Paper Pieced Log Cabin Quilt Pattern

Try this paper pieced log cabin quilt pattern to make a quilt that resembles a Christmas wreath. The quilt is made from thirty-six 6" square log cabin quilt blocks and finishes at 36" x 36".

If foundation piecing is a new technique for you, read Foundation Piecing Basics before you begin.

I usually prefer to use temporary foundations, which are removed after blocks are assembled, but log cabin quilt blocks are perfect for permanent versions, which stay in place forever.

Permanent foundations add depth to blocks and non-woven permanent foundations help eliminate stretch. The bonus -- you won't need to spend time tearing away lots of narrow paper strips.

Plan to machine quilt the project, since log cabin quilts (even without an extra foundation layer) have plenty of built-in bulk from closely spaced seam allowances.

Fabrics & Other Materials for the Log Cabin Quilt

Fabrics

choose an assortment of greens, about 2-3/4 yards total
choose an assortment of reds, about 2-3/4 yards total

Backing: about 1-1/8 yard (How to Make Quilt Backing)

Batting: about 44" x 44" flannel or other low loft batting if your quilt will be used as a wallhanging. If you use permanent foundations, you might choose to omit the batting to avoid extra bulk.

Binding: about 170 running inches of doublefold binding that finishes at 1/4" wide; refer to my (binding strip instructions)

Optional: Fabric for hanging sleeve

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Sew the Log Cabin Quilt Blocks

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Christmas Log Cabin Quilt. Photo Credit: © Janet Wickell

Make the Log Cabin Quilt Blocks

The blocks for the log cabin quilt are assembled in the same way as my 6" practice log cabin quilt blocks. Use that log cabin pattern for an assembly guide.

The drawing on page 3 illustrates the steps you must take to sew the first three logs to the foundation -- again, the same as the practice log cabin block.

There are a couple of differences between this block and the practice log cabin, but they don't affect the construction method:

the green logs are more narrow than the red logs
you'll sew with different strip widths than the practice block uses

The variation in log widths (red vs. green) gives this log cabin quilt block less of the typical stair-steps along the diagonal that separates the colors, making the diagonal appear to curve just a bit to help create a wreath-like appearance.

6" Log Cabin Quilt Block Template

Download the Log CabinPDF file.
Make 36 foundations, permanent or temporary.

Fabric Strips

Work with long strips of fabric, trimming lengths as you prepare a piece for sewing or immediately after a log is sewn.

Green Strips: 1" wide
Red Strips: 1-1/4" wide
Yellow squares (piece 1): (36) 1-1/4" x 1-1/4"
red squares (piece 2): use a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" section of a red strip

Don't cut all of your strips just yet -- cut a few and adjust width up or down as necessary for the way you sew.

Log Cabin Layout

Refer to the illustration on page 1 for block layout (six rows, six blocks in each). Arrange blocks and then sew them side by side in rows. Sew rows together.

Remove temporary foundations.
Mark for quilting if necessary. Sandwich with batting and backing, and then quilt and bind.

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Sew the First Three Paper Pieced Logs

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Sew the first three patches to the log cabin foundation. Photo Credit: Janet Wickell

Begin Sewing the Logs

Here's a visual look at sewing the first three logs to log cabin templates. I made some patches opaque so that you could see foundation lines beneath. However, the lines will be on the opposite side of the foundation, not on the side where you position fabrics.

Don't forget to read the practice block instructions and foundation piecing basics if this technique is new to you.

Be sure to trim seams as you work, otherwise you will end up with lots of unnecessary (lumpy) fabric on the back side of your quilt blocks.

Sew all thirty-six quilt blocks required for the quilt, and then assemble blocks into six rows of six blocks each, as shown on page one of the pattern.