I love a good log cabin quilt. They are timeless, classic quilt blocks that can be made in such a variety of styles and aesthetics. Today I’m excited to share this Heart Log Cabin Quilt Block with a free lap size log cabin quilt pattern to go with it!

History of the Log Cabin Block

The log cabin motif is mostly associated with Americana style and quilts of the pioneer age in the United States, however many log cabin designs have been found as far back as ancient Egypt. I love the versatility of the log cabin block because you can use scraps and smaller pieces which is why I think this was used so much in the pioneer days.

Also, you can play with the width of the strips, and the light and dark to create interesting designs with the same block construction. Here are some of my quilts with the log cabin design and a quick google search will turn up tons of great options too!

The next 2 photos are of a curvy log cabin and the way you achieve this “curvy” look is by playing with the width of your strips.

Your First Quilt Series

Just learning to quilt? This block is more for an advanced or confident beginner. I have a free Your First Quilt series if you are just getting started I recommend that you start there.

Just learning to sew? I love teaching beginners to sew! I have a Learn to Sew series as well if that is more your speed.

Looking for other quilt tutorials? Check out my Tutorials page to see all that I have to offer. Scroll down and take a look!

Heart Log Cabin Quilt Block Tutorial

Yield: 1 block

Heart Log Cabin Quilt Block

These instructions are for the heart log cabin block. See the Notes sections for lap size quilt fabric requirements and directions.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Active Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Difficulty advanced beginner

Estimated Cost 5

Materials

1 1/2 inch strip of kona bone for "heart"
(7) solid fabrics in various pinks and purples cut to 1 1/2 inch strips.
coordinating thread color

Tools

Rotary cutter and mat
quilting ruler
fabric scissors
iron

Instructions

Choose 7 solid fabrics in color palette of choice. Cut a 1 1/2 inch strip from each color. Choose your "heart" fabric color as well and cut a 1 1/2 inch strip from that as well.
Take your "heart" strip and cut a 1 1/2 inch square. Cut a 1 1/2 inch square from one of your other color fabrics.
Sew these 2 squares together with a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance. Finger press toward the dark fabric.
Take your strip of the "heart" fabric and sew along the correct side of the 2 squares. See photo to make sure it's along the proper side.
Use fabric scissors and cut off the strip. This does not have to be perfect. Finger press toward the longer strip.
Grab a strip of the color fabric and sew along the next edge (move in a clockwise fashion) and repeat steps from #5. Repeat again until block looks as shown.
Take this block to your ironing board and press.
Trim block to 3 1/2 inches square.
Repeat grabbing new strips of color and attaching and trimming in the same manner. Each time you add a new strip, choose a different color. See photo to make sure you are attaching to the correct side. (you will be going clockwise).
After you have attached the 4 strips, press with your iron.
Trim to 5 1/2 inches square.
Make as many as you like for your next project! See "notes" section for free lap size instructions.

Notes

Lap Size Quilt Directions and Fabric Requirements:

Each block has a bone color for the "heart". Then there are 7 solid colors for each block.

(6) 1/2 yard cuts in various solid colors in color palette.

(1) 3/4 yard cut for the one of the solid colors and the outer edge (see photo)

(1) 1/2 yard for "heart"

(14) 6 inch squares cut along diagonal for outer edge when setting on point. 28 total triangles.

Binding: 1/2 yard

Backing: 3 1/4 yard

Batting: 55x65 piece

Use tutorial to make 85 heart log cabin blocks. Set them on point with medium pink (or color of choice) triangles for outer edge. Finish and quilt as desired.