Cactus In The Cabin Quilt Sew-Along: Traditional Log Cabin Blocks


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Bear Creek Quilting Company

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Posted by Shari on September 15th, 2025

Cactus In The Cabin Quilt Sew-Along:  TRADITIONAL LOG CABIN BLOCKS

Welcome back to the Cactus In The Cabin Quilt Sew-Along – we’re thrilled you’re joining us for the next chapter!

Whether you stitched with us before or you’re just now jumping in, this Sew-Along is the perfect opportunity to connect, create, and keep bringing Camilla Quilts’ Cactus In The Cabin Quilt beautiful pattern to life—one inspired block at a time.

Let’s keep the momentum going!

                              
Cactus In The Cabin Quilt Sew-Along
The Cactus In The Cabin Quilt features two stunning blocks: the classic Log Cabin Block and the unique Cactus Log Cabin Block.

This month we will be creating the Classic or Traditional Log Cabin Blocks using the Creative Grids Log Cabin Trim Tool 6" & 12" Finished Blocks Ruler.

The Cactus In The Cabin Quilt Pattern is written for using the Creative Grids Log Cabin Trim Tool 6" & 12" Finished Blocks Ruler.  This is going to give you perfectly trimmed blocks and it is fun to use!


Let's get started.....


The cutting directions for your strips of fabric or your “logs” are included in the pattern. I experimented with both precutting my logs and strip piecing directly onto long strips.  What I found was that my piecing turned out more accurate when I precut the logs.  Having them cut to size ahead of time made it easier to know exactly how each strip was supposed to fit.

After each “round,” you’ll trim using the Creative Grids Log Cabin Trim Tool 6" & 12" Finished Blocks Ruler.  This means that even if your seam allowance is slightly off, your block will still come out the perfect size every time.

                                     
Creative Grids
For the 1st round, you will start with your center square fabric.

You will then add the first strip of fabric or "log".

For the best results, set your seam with the iron first, then press it away from the center square for a crisp, clean finish.

                                                      
Creative Grids
Next, add your second, third and forth log.  Setting your seam and pressing the seam away from the center square after each log.

You can work in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction—just be sure to stay consistent with whichever option you choose.

I followed Cam's instructions and proceeded in a clockwise direction.

Your fabric strips—or “logs”—can all be the same fabric or a mix of different ones.  You can also switch up the colors.

For this particular pattern I recommend keeping the fabric strips consistent in color to best showcase the design.

                                                              
Creative Grids
Ok, our first "round" of four "logs" is complete.  Now it's time to trim.

Align the Creative Grids Log Cabin Trim Tool 6" & 12" Finished Blocks Ruler with the center square and your seams.

Don’t worry if things don’t match up perfectly.  The ruler gives you plenty of guide lines, so just focus on what feels best to match up or center, and your block will still look beautiful.

Trim the right side and the top.

                                                                  
Creative Grids
Next, rotate your block.  Align your ruler again and trim the right side and the top.

                                                   
Creative Grids
Whether your piecing was spot-on or a little off, you now have a perfectly sized block ready for the next round of strips.

                                                          
Creative Grids
Time to add the second round to your block.  You will do this exactly like you did the first round.

                                                                          
Cactus In The Cabin Sew-Along   Cactus In The Cabin Sew-Along
After attaching all four logs in the second round, it’s time to trim again. Just follow the same steps you used in round one.

                                                           
Cactus In The Cabin Sew-Along
It’s time to add the final round of logs!  Be sure to set and press your seams after each strip of fabric or log for a crisp finish.

                                                            
Cactus In The Cabin Sew-Along
Now, on this last trimming, you will be using all four of the ruler edges to square up your block.  Check your alignment by matching the ruler lines with your seams.

                                            
Cactus In The Cabin Sew-Along
Once again, don’t worry if your seam allowances aren’t perfect.  When you trim all four sides to square up your block, it will measure a perfect 12 ½" unfinished square!

                                                        
Cactus In The Cabin Sew-Along

My Oops Block Tip:
I noticed that some of my logs bowed out in the middle instead of staying straight.  That was on me—I realized I was pressing too hard on the seams.  Now I’ve learned to press more gently so I don’t warp them.

On my second round, I also forgot to rotate my block and trim all four sides—I only trimmed the first two before moving on.


Mistakes happen, and that’s okay!  Laugh at them, learn from them, and keep striving to do a little better with each block.

                                                                 
Cactus In The Cabin Sew-Along
Here is my Traditional Log Cabin Block in my quilt colors!

See you next month for the Cactus Blocks!
                                                
                                             
Cactus In The Cabin Quilt Sew-Along Schedule:

  8/05/2025 - Month 1:  Fabric Requirements/Selection
  9/16/2025 - Month 2:  Traditional Log Cabin Blocks - We are here!
10/16/2025 - Month 3:  Cactus Blocks
11/16/2025 - Month 4:  Assembly and Finish

                                                                       
All monthly Cactus In The Cabin Quilt Sew-Along posts will appear on our blog.  This is not a Zoom class or a specific time to check in.  Sew at your own pace as you follow along on the Sew-Along schedule.  
The Cactus In The Cabin Quilt Pattern is required to participate as no cutting/sizing information will be given.

Cactus In The Cabin Starter Fabric Bundles are available.

Our Bear Creek Quilting Company Exclusive Sew-Alongs private Facebook Group is available to join.  Be sure to complete all the questions and agree to the group rules or the automated-moderator may deny your request to join.

                                                                    
Questions??  Email us at sales@BearCreekQuiltingCompany.com
                                                       
Bear Creek Quilting Company

and the BCQC Team