Sister's Choice Quilts

My interests are quilting, reading, cooking, family, decorating, and matters of style. I post regular quilting tutorials and book reviews of current fiction.

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Curvy Log Cabin Block and Ruler

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I have had Log Cabin blocks on my mind lately. I have been using Fatquartershop's Log Cabin Piecing papers to make a fall table runner and have really been enjoying the process. I recently picked up one of my Creative Grids Log Cabin rulers to compare the construction process for accuracy and enjoyment of piecing.

This past weekend I played around with the Creative Grids Curvy Log Cabin Ruler in the 6-inch size.  I needed another 12-inch block for the Moda BlockHeads sew-along and thought if I combined four of the 6-inch curvy blocks to make a 12-inch block it could be interesting.

As you can see in the photo of my finished block (which is four blocks sewn together), the style of this Log Cabin block is a variation of the standard one. In the Curvy Log Cabin block, there are wide strips that are combined with narrower ones, rather than all the strips being the same width as in the classic Log Cabin block. The overall effect is, well, curvier.

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As with the regular Creative Grids Log Cabin ruler, there are markings on the tool showing you where to line up the center square for accurate trimming. (I placed the ruler on a scrap of white fabric so you can see the markings more clearly).

I ended up making a total of 5 Curvy Log Cabin blocks.  I had to discard the first one because it did not come out as well as I would have liked. The trick to using this tool is this:

Do you see the square at the lower left of the ruler? It has four holes drilled into it.  You are to take a pen and mark the wrong side of your center squares carefully. You then must pay strict attention to stitching exactly between those dots in order to have the seams on that critical center square come out exact. If you disregard this suggestion, your seams will not be straight when you add your strips around the center square to complete the block. The thing is, the seam allowance is slightly more than 1/4" for that center square. Ignore your usually sacred 1/4" for this center square only. Just pay attention to sewing between the dots. The remaining strips will be sewn with your 1/4" seam allowance.

I wasn't super careful with my first block and some of the sewn strips did not look even to me. In my subsequent blocks, I was more exact and the blocks came out fine.

Will I use this tool again?  Hmmm.  Probably not. It was ok for the novelty of making this one block (composed of 4 six-inch Curvy Log Cabin blocks), but I don't think I'd ever make an entire quilt with it. I prefer the regular Creative Grids Log Cabin ruler, as it seems less fussy. My final thoughts are that I would make an entire quilt using either the Log Cabin Paper Foundations or the Creative Grids Regular Log Cabin trim tool. Both are fun to use and produce super accurate blocks without too much thought or fuss.  

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Here are my eight 12 inch blocks for my Moda BlockHeads project. Only I am not going to use the block on the top right. It is a cool block, and it is made well, but to my eye, it does not play well with the others. It comes across as too dark, too bold, too something.  It stands out too much. So, I will be making one more 12-inch block to replace it. Maybe I'll put it on the back of the quilt. I could also add a little border to it and turn it into a candle mat.

24 responses to “Curvy Log Cabin Block and Ruler”

  1. I have been intrigued with the log cabin paper but it appears to me that it takes more time than my trim tool? What do you think? I absolutely loved my 4” log cabin ruler and the table runner I made. Which has me thinking I need to make another one!! Thanks for all your posts. So informative-as we’ll as your book reviews!!

  2. I have been intrigued with the log cabin paper but it appears to me that it takes more time than my trim tool? What do you think? I absolutely loved my 4” log cabin ruler and the table runner I made. Which has me thinking I need to make another one!! Thanks for all your posts. So informative-as we’ll as your book reviews!!

  3. I have been intrigued with the log cabin paper but it appears to me that it takes more time than my trim tool? What do you think? I absolutely loved my 4” log cabin ruler and the table runner I made. Which has me thinking I need to make another one!! Thanks for all your posts. So informative-as we’ll as your book reviews!!

  4. Nice, helpful review. Now, do you have any hints on the Creative Grids Pineapple Ruler? I have struggled with the markings and my first attempt was wonky.

  5. Nice, helpful review. Now, do you have any hints on the Creative Grids Pineapple Ruler? I have struggled with the markings and my first attempt was wonky.

  6. Nice, helpful review. Now, do you have any hints on the Creative Grids Pineapple Ruler? I have struggled with the markings and my first attempt was wonky.

  7. At first glance, the top right block doesn’t seem to have as much white at the edges as the other blocks. I always piece my quilt backs using blocks & fabric left over from the top. It definitely adds interest & makes them unique! Stay well!

  8. At first glance, the top right block doesn’t seem to have as much white at the edges as the other blocks. I always piece my quilt backs using blocks & fabric left over from the top. It definitely adds interest & makes them unique! Stay well!

  9. At first glance, the top right block doesn’t seem to have as much white at the edges as the other blocks. I always piece my quilt backs using blocks & fabric left over from the top. It definitely adds interest & makes them unique! Stay well!

  10. Your blocks are nice — so beautifully made. I’m glad you have plans for that block at top right — it’s a real beauty, so needs a place to shine.

  11. Your blocks are nice — so beautifully made. I’m glad you have plans for that block at top right — it’s a real beauty, so needs a place to shine.

  12. Your blocks are nice — so beautifully made. I’m glad you have plans for that block at top right — it’s a real beauty, so needs a place to shine.

  22. Nicole, I love your blocks and those colors are great! I haven’t made or even started the Moda Blockheads. Too many projects in the works now that need to be done. I just recently bought a Log Cabin trim tool and have debated on getting the curvy trim tool so thank you for your review!

  23. Nicole, I love your blocks and those colors are great! I haven’t made or even started the Moda Blockheads. Too many projects in the works now that need to be done. I just recently bought a Log Cabin trim tool and have debated on getting the curvy trim tool so thank you for your review!

  24. Nicole, I love your blocks and those colors are great! I haven’t made or even started the Moda Blockheads. Too many projects in the works now that need to be done. I just recently bought a Log Cabin trim tool and have debated on getting the curvy trim tool so thank you for your review!