Traditional / Public Domain — one of the most iconic American quilt patterns, pre-Civil War origins
Strips of fabric are sewn sequentially around a center square, building outward like the logs of a frontier cabin. The center is traditionally red (representing the hearth) or yellow (for a candle in the window). Light and dark halves create dramatic effects when blocks are arranged together.
The Log Cabin pattern dates to at least the 1860s and is strongly associated with Abraham Lincoln's presidential campaign, though similar designs appear in earlier British quilts. The red center square symbolized the hearth fire at the center of a log cabin home.
During the Civil War, Log Cabin quilts were enormously popular, possibly as a symbol of support for Lincoln. The pattern was practical — it could be sewn on a foundation, making it ideal for using scraps and even silks. Victorian-era Log Cabins in silk and velvet were elaborate parlor decorations. The pattern remains one of the most recognized worldwide.
Also known as: Lincoln's Platform, Log House, Courthouse Steps (variation)
finished Block Size
12"
seam Allowance
1/4"
grid Basis
Center square + concentric rounds of strips
units Required
1 center square + 12 strips (3 rounds)
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center Square | Red | 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" | 1 | Traditional hearth center |
| Strip 1 (Light) | Light A | 2" x 3 1/2" | 1 | Round 1 - right side |
| Strip 2 (Light) | Light A | 2" x 5" | 1 | Round 1 - top |
| Strip 3 (Dark) | Dark A | 2" x 5" | 1 | Round 1 - left side |
| Strip 4 (Dark) | Dark A | 2" x 6 1/2" | 1 | Round 1 - bottom |
| Strip 5 (Light) | Light B | 2" x 6 1/2" | 1 | Round 2 - right |
| Strip 6 (Light) | Light B | 2" x 8" | 1 | Round 2 - top |
| Strip 7 (Dark) | Dark B | 2" x 8" | 1 | Round 2 - left |
| Strip 8 (Dark) | Dark B | 2" x 9 1/2" | 1 | Round 2 - bottom |
| Strip 9 (Light) | Light C | 2" x 9 1/2" | 1 | Round 3 - right |
| Strip 10 (Light) | Light C | 2" x 11" | 1 | Round 3 - top |
| Strip 11 (Dark) | Dark C | 2" x 11" | 1 | Round 3 - left |
| Strip 12 (Dark) | Dark C | 2" x 12 1/2" | 1 | Round 3 - bottom |
Cut your 3 1/2" center square from red fabric. This represents the hearth — the heart of the cabin.
Sew Strip 1 (2" x 3 1/2", light fabric) to the right side of the center square, right sides together. Press seam toward the strip.
Tip: Always press seams toward the most recently added strip. This builds a natural spiral.
Sew Strip 2 (2" x 5", light fabric) to the top edge, covering both the center and Strip 1. Press toward the strip.
Sew Strip 3 (2" x 5", dark fabric) to the left side. Press toward strip. You are now building clockwise around the center.
Sew Strip 4 (2" x 6 1/2", dark fabric) to the bottom. Press. Round 1 is complete — you should have two light sides and two dark sides.
Continue adding strips in the same clockwise order: right (light), top (light), left (dark), bottom (dark) for each round. Each strip is slightly longer than the last.
Tip: You can cut strips as you go, measuring against the growing block, instead of pre-cutting everything.
After all 12 strips are added, press the entire block. Trim to 12 1/2" square. The block should have a clear light half and dark half divided diagonally.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Barn Raising — blocks arranged with light sides forming concentric diamonds
Straight Furrow — light sides create diagonal stripes
Sunshine and Shadows — blocks create a light-to-dark gradient
Courthouse Steps — alternate adding to opposite sides