Foundation (Paper) Piecing a Log Cabin Block

Position the First Pieces on the Log Cabin Foundation

The first piece is the only fabric placed right side up.

© Janet Wickell

Start Paper Piecing the Log Cabin Block

1. Place the red center square right side up on the unprinted side of the log cabin foundation. Be sure to center it over the area for piece 1. Hold in place or secure the square with a bit of gluestick. The first piece is the only fabric positioned right side up.

2. Hold the foundation up to the light with the printed side facing you. Can you see the shadow of the fabric square? Its raw edges should overlap the outermost lines of the area for piece 1 fairly evenly -- to provide an ample seam allowance on all sides.

3. Choose a light fabric for piece 2 and place the strip right side down on top of piece 1, matching its upper and left edges. You should be able to see the shadow of a backwards 2 above the patch edges. Trim away excess length from piece 2, making it flush with the right edge of piece 1.

Some quilters prefer to sew the strip in place before they trim away the excess length. Try both methods to see which you like best.

Index: Foundation (Paper) Piecing a Log Cabin Block

1. Foundation Piece a Log Cabin Block
2. Position the First Pieces on the Log Cabin Foundation
3. Sew More Pieces to the Log Cabin Foundation
4. Continue Adding Patches to the Log Cabin Block
5. You're On a Roll - Keep Adding Patches to the Quilt Block
6. Check Log Placement and Seams
7. Finish the Log Cabin Block
8. Layout Options