LOG CABIN CROSS

One of the joys of quilting is discovering just how versatile traditional blocks can be. The evening guild I belong to recently began a Block of the Month series, and the theme is none other than the timeless Log Cabin block. Each month, we explore a new variation or creative layout. It’s been a delightful journey so far, but one of my favorite interpretations came in the form of this beautiful Log Cabin Cross wall hanging.

I love how it turned out—it’s a simple, symbolic piece that’s rich in tradition and visual impact. And best of all, it’s a wonderful way to play with color value using light and dark fabrics.

There’s something so timeless about the log cabin quilt block — its clean lines, contrast between light and dark fabrics, and endless layout possibilities never go out of style. This month, our evening quilting guild has taken that classic beauty and given it a meaningful twist with a Block of the Month project we’re calling the Log Cabin Cross. It’s been so inspiring to see how each quilter puts their own spin on the pattern, and I couldn’t wait to share the version I made as a small wall hanging.

LOG CABIN CROSS

✂️ Materials & Cutting Instructions

To create your own Log Cabin Cross, you’ll need to make:

• Two 9 1/2″ square log cabins

• Two 9 1/2″ x 20 1/2″ rectangle log cabins

Here’s how to cut your fabrics:

🎯 Center Squares

• (2) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ (for square blocks)

• (2) 2 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ (for rectangle blocks)

• )

🌞 Light Shade Fabric

For the square log cabins:

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 4 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 6 1/2″

• (2) 2 1/2″ x 7 1/2″

• (2) 2 1/2″ x 9 1/2″

For the rectangle log cabins:

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 4 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 13 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 6 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 15 1/2″

• (2) 2 1/2″ x 9 1/2″

• (2) 2 1/2″ x 17 1/2″

🌚 Dark Shade Fabric

For the square log cabins:

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 4 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 6 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 7 1/2″

For the rectangle log cabins:

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 12 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 14 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 7 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 16 1/2″

➕ Center Cross Fabric

• (2) 2 1/2″ x 9 1/2″

• (1) 2 1/2″ x 30 1/2″

🪡 Borders

Border 1:

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 20 1/2″

• (2) 1 1/2″ x 32 1/2″

Border 2:

• (2) 2 1/2″ x 22 1/2″

• (2) 2 1/2″ x 36 1/2″

🧵 Assembly Instructions

1. Start with the center of each block. Sew a light shade strip to one side and press toward the light strip. Then, sew the matching strip to the adjacent side and press again.

2. Alternate between light and dark, always pressing toward the strip you just added. This creates that classic log cabin layout, with light on one side and dark on the other.

3. Repeat this building method for:

   • Two 9 1/2″ square blocks (for the top of the cross)

   • Two 9 1/2″ x 20 1/2″ rectangle blocks (for the bottom of the cross)

4. For the center of the cross:

   • Sew a 2 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ strip between the two square log cabin blocks.

   • Sew the rectangle log cabins below, forming the vertical portion of the cross.

   • Join it all with the 2 1/2″ x 30 1/2″ strip running vertically down the center. Press toward the center strip.

5. Add your borders:

   • First, attach Border 1 around the block.

   • Then add Border 2 to frame it nicely.

6. Finish as desired:

   • Quilt in your favorite pattern to add texture and interest.

   • Add binding and a hanging sleeve if making a wall quilt.

LOG CABIN CROSS

🧡 A Special Keepsake

This Log Cabin Cross is a heartfelt project that combines traditional piecing with meaningful symbolism. It’s perfect for a gift, a wall hanging, or simply as a reflection of your quilting journey.

If you’re participating in a guild challenge or block of the month, I highly recommend experimenting with this variation—it’s incredibly satisfying to see the cross take shape with every strip you add!

Happy quilting, friends—and don’t forget to share your own Log Cabin creations with me!