Use Paper Piecing to Sew a Log Cabin Christmas Tree Quilt
It's easy to make a small Christmas tree log cabin quilt from thirty-six 3" square quilt blocks. Blocks are foundation (paper) pieced and the quilt finishes at 22-1/2" square. Add one or more borders to increase the quilt's size. You could even use the project in the center of a larger medallion quilt layout.
About Foundation (Paper) Piecing
Foundation piecing, often called paper piecing, is a technique that's accomplished by sewing fabric onto a pre-marked foundation, either temporary or permanent. If foundation piecing is a new to you, read Foundation Piecing Basics before you begin.
I like temporary foundations (which are removed after blocks are assembled), but log cabin quilt blocks are perfect for permanent versions (which are never removed). Temporary foundations add depth to blocks, and non-woven permanent foundations help eliminate stretch.
Plan to machine quilt the project, since log cabin quilts (even without an extra foundation layer) have plenty of bulk from closely spaced seam allowances.
Download the 3" Log Cabin Templates
Quilting Fabrics and Other Materials
Green
- 2-1/2 yards
- One very mottled fabric or a wide variety of green prints.
Background
- 2-5/8 yards
- One print fabric or a wide variety of neutral prints. Includes enough for border.
Dark brown
Binding
Backing & Batting
How To Sew Larger Log Cabin Quilt Blocks
Remove the outermost line from templates and scale them to any size you wish. Replace the line by drawing lines around the new template, each 1/4" from an edge.
Adjust yardages and strip size to suit the new template (add about 1/2" to the finished log with and center square size).
