Log cabin quilts rose to prominence as a published quilt style during the American Civil War and have a rich cultural history. Despite a traditional origin and appearance, the log cabin quilt block is one that has lent itself to a mind-boggling number of modern interpretations over many generations of quilters. The traditional block begins with a central square onto which successive strips are added (similar to the construction of log cabin dwellings). The basic blocks can be combined in a dizzying number of orientations with evocative names like “sunshine and shadow,” “streak of lightning,” “courthouse steps,” straight furrow,” among others.

The modular construction of the log cabin block translates beautifully to knitting, with each small block being its own portable project, while also providing a worthy use for yarn scraps and leftovers. The more colors the merrier!

My pattern has been written for worsted-weight yarns with individual blocks measuring 8½″/21.5 cm square, though the instructions may be worked in any yarn weight to achieve an alternative individual block size. Make as many or as few blocks as you like to create the finished size blanket you desire. I’ve photographed two variations—a 16-block arrangement sized as a baby blanket (or wall hanging), and a larger 48-block arrangement that can be used as a large throw or bed covering. After completing your blocks, deciding on a finished arrangement, and seaming them together, finish the blanket by knitting on a wide border to frame it all up. Worked in garter stitch, these projects are accessible and, amazingly, use only the classic knit stitch (nary a purl in sight!).

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Construction

• Worked flat from the center out, each Log Cabin block is comprised of 13 individual segments. After knitting the small central square, each new segment is picked up and worked directly from the previous segment(s). Blocks are seamed together in your desired arrangement, then a multi-layered border is picked up and worked flat from each edge of the blanket.

Finished Dimensions

Swaddler (Large Throw)

• W: 43″/109 cm × L: 43″/109 cm (W: 61″/155 cm × L: 78″/198 cm)

Yarn

• 121 (425) yards C1, 96 (344) yards C2, 143 (504) yards C3, 308 (726) yards C4, 286 (746) yards C5, 535 (1005) yards C6, and 855 (2779) yards C7 [111 (389) meters C1, 88 (315) meters C2, 131 (461) meters C3, 726 (664) meters C4, 282 (682) meters C5, 489 (919) meters C6, and 782 (2084) meters C7] of worsted-weight wool yarn
• Swaddler size shown in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (140 yards/50 g) in colors Fireball (C1), Pollen (C2), Delft (C3), Klimt (C4), Cadet (C5), Snowbound (C6), and Deep Dive (C7)
• Large Throw size shown in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (140 yards/50 g) in colors Pollen (C1), Fossil (C2), Bale (C3), Snowbound (C4), Klimt (C5), Pumice (C6), and Yellowstone (C7)

Gauge

• 20 stitches & 40 rows (20 garter stitch ridges) = 4″/10 cm in blocked garter stitch
• One Log Cabin block measures 8½″/21.5 cm square

Needles

One 16–20″/40–60 cm and one 40″/100 cm or longer circular needle in size needed to obtain gauge

• Suggested size: US 7/4.5 mm

Tutorials for all special techniques listed below are included:

• Blocking
• Icelandic Bind Off

Skill Level

2 out of 5: Adventurous Beginner