Three Reasons to love the Quarter Cabin Block
Today, I’m taking a moment to share a little bit more about what I think it pretty much pure quilt block pattern magic: the Quarter Cabin Log Cabin quilt block variation. It’s been front of mind recently thanks to my Parquet Party quilt pattern (which is made up of two giant 16” Quarter Cabin block variations!).
An up close photo of the two Quarter Cabin blocks that make up the Parquet Party pattern
The Quarter Cabin block is a construction technique I return to time and time again. Every time I work with it, I rediscover just how delightful it is to play with—whether in a repeating block pattern or as part of a larger quilt design.
So, without further ado, here’s a little love letter to this dynamic block! Here are the top three reasons why the Quarter Cabin block has earned a permanent spot in my quilting toolbox (think of it like a little love letter to the block layout):
1. Built-In Dynamic Design
Unlike the traditional Log Cabin block, which builds outward from the center, the Quarter Cabin block starts in the corner. This simple shift introduces a striking asymmetry that adds movement and visual interest to any quilt layout.
The best part? When arranged in repeating patterns, the blocks can seamlessly connect at their edges, allowing you to:
Line up logs for a cohesive look
Play with optical illusions, making the lines appear to continue beneath neighboring blocks (like in Parquet Party)
It’s a small twist with a big impact, making it one of my go-to blocks for quilt designs!
2. Effortless Ombre Effect
Thanks to its "corner-out" construction, the Quarter Cabin block is a dream for color play. Whether you love bold contrasts or soft, subtle gradients, this block makes achieving an ombre effect effortless.
Watch your quilt transition from light to dark (or vice versa) with each added log.
Experiment with color placement in a repeating block pattern to keep the ombre effect flowing across your quilt top.
No matter your color palette, this block naturally enhances color movement, making it a favorite for dynamic quilt designs!
3. Easily Adaptable to Any Style
Traditional? Modern? Oversized? Miniature? The Quarter Cabin block adapts beautifully to any quilting style. With just a few tweaks, you can create something entirely unique:
Vary the widths of the logs (try starting with narrower logs near the corner and gradually increasing the size toward the edges)
Introduce new shapes (swap a log for a half-rectangle triangle for a striking effect)
Experiment with block endings (finish with a half-square triangle or even a flying geese unit for extra flair)
This block’s flexibility means you can customize it to match any quilting aesthetic, making it one of the most versatile blocks out there!
Ready to Start Your Next Quarter Cabin Quilt?
The Quarter Log Cabin block is a playground of possibilities! From its asymmetric layout to its built-in ombre potential and countless design variations, it’s a block worth exploring.
Next time you're at your design table, why not give it a try?
Looking for ready-to-make Quarter Log Cabin block patterns? Check out the following patterns:
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