The Log Cabin Block

Choose a color or fabric for your center square in the blocks. These can be the traditional red or toss tradition out the window and pick a bold color (or several colors). You might want to "fussy cut" an image from a novelty fabric for the center. For the center you will cut total length of strips 3.5 inches wide. Or if you are using odd sized scraps cut the number of squares of 3.5 x 3.5 inches to match the number of blocks you plan to make. Put these aside.

Start cutting 2 inch strips from the various fabrics you will use for your blocks. As you cut them sort them into two groups by either contrast (light - dark) or into color families if you choose to do so. If your fabric is full width your strips will be 2 in. x 42", but if your fabric is in odd sizes you will have 2" x assorted lengths and that is fine, too. You need not cut all the strips at once, but cut a variety so you can sew 1-2 blocks to test.

Sew a fabric strip with a 1/4 inch seam allowance to the center square- trim even.

Then add a strip to the other three sides- continue sewing & trimming until you have a 12" block keeping your light fabrics on one side & your dark fabrics on the other.

A diagram is on the upper right side of this post