Courthouse Steps Quilt Block
The Log Cabin's sibling — strips added to opposite sides create a symmetrical, architectural pattern
Courthouse Steps is the Log Cabin's quieter sibling — strips added to opposite sides simultaneously rather than spiraling around the center. The result is a symmetrical block with a cross or ladder appearance and its own distinctive secondary patterns.
History & Background
Courthouse Steps is almost as old as Log Cabin, and the two blocks were often made together in 19th-century quilts. The name suggests the visual image of steps approaching a courthouse door: horizontal strips of increasing length added to the top and bottom of a rectangle, like stair treads rising toward the center.
The block differs from Log Cabin in a fundamental construction way: rather than spiraling clockwise around the center square, strips are added to opposite sides simultaneously — first top and bottom, then left and right, alternating between light and dark fabrics. This creates a cross-shaped light/dark pattern rather than the diagonal half-and-half split of a true Log Cabin.
The secondary patterns created by Courthouse Steps are uniquely geometric — when blocks are assembled, the strips form continuous horizontal, vertical, or diagonal bands across the quilt rather than the diamond-shaped secondary patterns of Log Cabin. Contemporary quilters have embraced Courthouse Steps as a modern alternative to Log Cabin because its strong horizontal/vertical geometry photographs particularly well and suits the clean aesthetic of modern quilting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start with your center square
Cut a center square — 2" or 2½" finished is typical for a 12" finished block. This is often a red or accent fabric. Sew a light strip to the top and bottom. Press outward.
Add dark strips to the sides
Sew dark strips to the left and right. Press outward. The center unit should now be a rectangle with light fabric on top/bottom and dark fabric on the sides.
Continue adding pairs
Return to light strips for the second pair — top and bottom again. Then dark strips for left and right. Each round, the strips are longer because the block is growing. Cut strips to length as you add them, or pre-cut a range of lengths.
Maintain your pairing throughout
Always add light to top/bottom and dark to sides (or vice versa) — never mix the pairing in a single round. The light/dark split is what creates the cross pattern in the finished block.
Tips & Techniques
- Unlike Log Cabin, you can't eyeball the center as easily with Courthouse Steps — measure the unit before adding each new round to ensure strips are the right length.
- The block looks spectacular when value is pushed to extremes: pure white light strips against a deep black dark, for example.
- A great use of precut jelly roll strips — the 2½" width works well for both strip widths.
Color & Fabric Selection
Strong value contrast (true light vs. true dark) is essential. The cross pattern disappears when light and dark fabrics are too similar in value. The center square benefits from a contrasting accent color that doesn't appear elsewhere in the block.
Variations & Related Patterns
Rainbow Courthouse Steps
Light strips in a gradient of colors from warm to cool, or in the colors of the rainbow arranged around the block.
Asymmetric Courthouse Steps
Strips of varying widths on each side, breaking the symmetry deliberately for a more improvisational feel.
Quick Facts
Put it to use
NiftyFifty quilters have been swapping blocks like this one since 1997. Browse our historical archive or join a new swap.
Browse quilt swaps →Related Guides
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