Traditional / Public Domain — a Log Cabin variation dating to the mid-1800s
A symmetric variation of the Log Cabin where strips are added to opposite sides of the center square rather than rotating around it. This creates a perfectly balanced, mirror-image block that resembles the steps leading up to a grand courthouse entrance.
Courthouse Steps emerged as a variation of the Log Cabin block in the mid-1800s. While the traditional Log Cabin adds strips in a rotating sequence, Courthouse Steps adds them to opposite sides, creating bilateral symmetry. The name reflects the grand stepped entrances of American courthouses built during the same era.
The pattern gained popularity during the Civil War period and was often made in patriotic red, white, and blue. It was associated with civic pride and community governance. Like its Log Cabin cousin, the center square was traditionally red (symbolizing the hearth) or yellow (a candle in the window). The symmetric design made it particularly suitable for medallion quilts.
Also known as: Log Cabin Courthouse Steps, Steps to the Courthouse, Courthouse Square
finished Block Size
12"
seam Allowance
1/4"
grid Basis
Center square with 3 rounds of strips on opposite sides
units Required
1 center square + 12 strips (6 per side pair)
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center Square | Accent (red) | 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" | 1 | Heart of the block |
| Round 1 Strip | Light | 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" | 2 | Added to top and bottom of center |
| Round 1 Strip | Dark | 2 1/2" x 6 1/2" | 2 | Added to left and right sides |
| Round 2 Strip | Light | 2 1/2" x 6 1/2" | 2 | Added to top and bottom |
| Round 2 Strip | Dark | 2 1/2" x 10 1/2" | 2 | Added to left and right sides |
| Round 3 Strip | Light | 2 1/2" x 10 1/2" | 2 | Added to top and bottom — final round |
| Round 3 Strip | Dark | 2 1/2" x 12 1/2" | 0 | Not needed — block completes at 12 1/2" after Round 3 light strips on top/bottom, but if dark sides are added last, cut 2 at this size |
Cut a 2 1/2" center square. Sew a 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" light strip to the top and a 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" light strip to the bottom. Press seams away from center. Unit now measures 2 1/2" x 6 1/2".
Tip: Press seams away from the center after each addition — this keeps the block flat and reduces bulk.
Sew a 2 1/2" x 6 1/2" dark strip to the left side and another to the right side. Press seams outward. Unit now measures 6 1/2" x 6 1/2".
Sew a 2 1/2" x 6 1/2" light strip to the top and another to the bottom. Press seams outward. Unit now measures 6 1/2" x 10 1/2".
Sew a 2 1/2" x 10 1/2" dark strip to each side. Press seams outward. Unit now measures 10 1/2" x 10 1/2".
Sew a 2 1/2" x 10 1/2" light strip to the top and bottom. Press seams outward. Block should now measure 10 1/2" x 12 1/2". Add one more pair of dark strips (2 1/2" x 12 1/2") to each side to complete at 12 1/2" x 12 1/2".
Tip: Measure after each round to catch errors early. Each round adds 2" to the finished measurement on each side it is applied to.
Press the completed block thoroughly from the front. It should measure 12 1/2" square. The light and dark sides should be mirror images of each other. Trim if needed.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Side by side — light sides touching create diamond secondary patterns
Barn raising — arrange blocks so light and dark create concentric rings
Alternating orientation — rotate every other block 90 degrees for a woven look