NEW: Log Cabin FPP Templates

Say goodbye to wonky and inaccurate Log Cabin quilt blocks with these Log Cabin FPP templates!

The Log Cabin is a classic quilt block and it is super versatile. It looks great as part of a sampler quilt or if you get a little creative with your fabric placement you can create some really striking results when making lots of Log Cabin blocks.

I have three different Log Cabin FPP templates available for you. The 9-piece block is a super simple yet classic Log Cabin block that has two ’rounds’ of rectangles around the central square. This one is nice and quick to make. The 13-piece Log Cabin has an additional ’round’ of rectangles, allowing you to use more prints and to create more complex designs. Finally, there is the 17-piece Log Cabin block. This one features much more narrow strips, which would be really tricky to sew together without a foundation, but with it you can sew (on the line) knowing that you’re going to get a really impressive block at the end of it!

Whilst the Log Cabin is a classic quilt block, it can be quite tricky to make. You really have to be spot on with your 1/4″ seam allowance or your block will end up the wrong size. If your seam allowance is just a smidge too big then your block will end up being a lot smaller than intended. This is particularly true when working on Log Cabin blocks that have got more pieces (like the 17 piece version). The more seams, the more room for error!

This is where the FPP templates are a real help. By sewing the fabric to a paper foundation you are making sure that each of the pieces are exactly the right size and there are no distorted blocks as the paper holds everything where it is supposed to be!

The Log Cabin Foundation Paper Piecing Templates are downloadable pdf files that you can print at home. There are three different sizes available:

• 9-piece Log Cabin FPP Templates
• 13-piece Log Cabin FPP Templates
• 17-piece Log Cabin FPP Templates

Each file includes templates in five different sizes, which means that you have lots of different options available.

Whilst the smallest size is just 2″ square, don’t let that put you off, the process of making it is just the same as the largest 6″ version, there are just more seams to sew.

The pages with the templates have been laid out so that they can be printed out on A4 or US Letter paper without any parts ‘falling off the edge of the page’, just remember to print actual size!

When printing out your own FPP templates at home you essentially have two options available to you. You can use standard printer paper or specialist foundation paper. As to which one is right for you, then you need to give both options a try and work out which one is best for you!

When it comes to standard printer paper I would suggest using the low end cheap stuff. You are not looking for top quality here, you are after lightweight…something 80gsm or lighter.

If you have not used it before then specialist Foundation Paper is wonderful to use. It is more lightweight than standard printer paper and it is easier to see through. Whilst it is easier to remove at the end, it stays in place really well until you’re ready!

I can highly recommend the Foundation Paper from patterntrace. The white colour means that it is easy to see through, even without a light box or holding it up to a window. One of the other great things for me is that it comes in A4 size (which avoids me having to change my printer settings).

Are you looking to start making perfect Log Cabin straight way? If so, there are three different templates sets that you can buy. Choose one to suit the project that you have in mind. The fewer the pieces, the simpler the design and quicker it is to sew. Conversely, the more pieces there are the more intricate or subtle the design.  Each of the downloads are available to buy and download from the website today!

If you get joy from a little forward planning, then these Log Cabin Colouring Pages will be right up your street! By having a play around with some colours you will find that you come up with all sorts of designs. There is a FREE printable to complement each of the Log Cabin template layouts. Click below to add the FREE printable to your basket or to read more about these useful pdfs.