Finish the Log Cabin Block
- Flip the quilt block over and sew on the line that separates pieces 1, 2 and 4 from piece 5, extending your seam at the beginning and end as before.
- Check placement and trim the seam allowance if necessary. Flip piece 5 right side up and finger press in place.
Sew the remaining pieces to the foundation in the same way, moving in a circular motion around the center of the block. When the block is finished, the edges of the outermost pieces should extend slightly past the dotted line on the foundation.
Press the block, then use scissors or rotary cutting equipment to trim through all layers on the outer edge of the dotted line. The final step creates a 1/4" seam allowance around the block.
Make additional blocks if you want to make a quilt, wallhanging or other project.
To Make the 3-inch Finished Block
Cutting Strips
Strip Widths: approximately 3/4"Center Square: approximately 1"
Paper Piecing Tips
- Remember to monitor seam allowances as you work, especially if you're using patches that are wider than necessary. Large patches make it more difficult to visualize where seam lines are on the reverse side of the template.
Keep a straight pin handy. If you're ever in doubt about where a marked line is located, stick the pin through a seam line on the front of the unit to see where it emerges through the fabric on the back.
- Keep an iron and ironing pad next to your work area and press blocks as you work -- pressed patches are crisper than finger pressed units.
- Try pressing with a mini iron if space is tight (Mini Iron: Buy Direct).
