As I mentioned in my previous post, basic Log Cabin blocks are some of the easiest to construct. We are going to make the Courthouse Steps block which is a variation of the Log Cabin.
This block probably makes you think about pioneers and log cabins (like Little House on the Prairie and such) and you would be half-right -- Karen Giska in her AQS article "Log Cabin Blocks: A Short History" wrote that the blocks became popular in the U.S. in the 1860's and the name may have been inspired by Abraham Lincoln!
But, did you know that the Log Cabin design has been found on Egyptian mummies and on a pre-1830's English quilt???
To read more, go to Karen Giska's article HERE.
So, let's get started!
Here's what you need:
1 A center square 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" (historically centers were black, red, or yellow)
2 B strips -- 2 1/2" x 4 1/2"
2 C strips -- 2 1/2" x 8 1/2"
2 D strips -- 2 1/2" x 8 1/2"
2 E strips -- 2 1/2" x 12 1/2"
Please refer to the diagram.
Sew the B strips to the sides of the A square.
Sew the C strips to the top and bottom of the unit.
Sew the D strips to the sides of the unit.
Sew the E strips to the top and bottom.
DONE!
Here is a very simple quilt design that gives the Courthouse Steps blocks a super modern feel. This design features 20 blocks (4 across by 5 down) with a 4" finished border. The quilt would measure 56" x 68" for a nice-sized throw quilt.
So what are you waiting for? Time to get started on your Courthouse Steps quilt.
We made this block at the very first Quilts of Valor sew-in I attended, back in 2006??? I've not made it since.
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl, recently I taught a class how to make tiny Courthouse Step blocks 4 different ways. So I've had Courthouse Step blocks on my mind.
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