Twisted Log Cabin Quilt Tips

Materials and Tools:

vellum paper
permanent marking pen
ruler and/or compass
hand-dyed, solid or small-scale tone-on-tone fabrics — 6 values of 7 colors (42 fat quarters)

Figure C

Steps:
1. Draft a pattern on vellum paper. To do this, use the ruler and/or compass to make an equilateral triangle measuring 8 inches on all sides.

2. To make the next layer of triangles, mark a dot on the right-hand line of the triangle that is 3/4 of an inch down from the top point of the triangle. Mark a dot on the base line of the triangle that's 3/4 of an inch away from the right-hand line of the triangle. Mark a dot on the left-hand line of the triangle that's 3/4 of an inch away from the base line of the triangle. Connect these dots, forming a second, smaller and slightly askew triangle on top of the first one.

Figure E

3. Repeat step 2 on the second triangle, marking dots 3/4 of an inch down on each line as described above, then connect the dots to form a third, smaller and slightly askew triangle on top of the second one. Repeat in this manner until the pattern is finished.

4. Number the triangles as shown. There are 19 pieces in each raw block. Copy the pattern onto vellum paper — you'll need six raw blocks to a unit.

5. In preparation of fabric cutting and block assembly, make, color and label a quilt map illustrating how to sew the blocks together.

Figure G

6. Cut fat quarters into 1-3/8-inch wide strips. This width includes 1/2 inch for seam allowances, plus 1/8-inch room for error. Cut three strips for each pinwheel you're going to make — if you're planning to repeat a pinwheel color, cut six strips.

Figure H

7. To make a block, pin a 2-1/4-inch length of a fabric strip on the center back of the pattern. Flip the pattern over to see the fabric from the front side.

Figure J

8. On the back side of the pattern, finger press the pinned center fabric on a line of the center triangle. Unfold.
9. Cut a second length of fabric strip approximately the same size as the first. Position this piece so it overlaps the folded line of the first piece by 1/4 of an inch. Flip it over and stitch along on the line through both layers of fabric.

Figure M

10. Repeat stitching additional fabric onto the foundation, trimming away stray threads and seam allowances as you go.
11. Stitch raw blocks together according to the road map. The easiest way to stitch them together is by sewing in a row.

Figure N

12. To finish the odd edges, cut a triangle foundation in half and place it as shown.
13. Put on a border, then quilt and finish as desired.