- Light (faded chambray)
- Dark (indigo)
- Accent (madder red)
Block No. 24 · log-cabin
Courthouse Steps Quilt Block
Part of: Log Cabin Quilt BlocksQuilt Blocks Using Squares And RectanglesEasy Quilt BlocksQuilt Blocks For Beginners
Courthouse Steps is a Log Cabin relative built in opposing pairs instead of a continuous spiral. Light horizontal logs and dark vertical logs make the stepped outline especially clear.
- Level
- Beginner
- Grid
- 7 × 7
- Pieces
- 13
Chart
Cutting for a 14" block
7 × 7 grid. All cuts fall on 1/8" ruler marks. Unfinished block: 14 1/2".
| Fabric | Shape | Cut | Size | Then | Pieces used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Square | 2 | 2 1/2" square | Use as cut | 2 |
| Light | Rectangle | 2 | 2 1/2" × 10 1/2" | Use as cut | 2 |
| Light | Rectangle | 2 | 2 1/2" × 6 1/2" | Use as cut | 2 |
| Dark | Rectangle | 2 | 2 1/2" × 14 1/2" | Use as cut | 2 |
| Dark | Rectangle | 2 | 2 1/2" × 10 1/2" | Use as cut | 2 |
| Dark | Rectangle | 2 | 2 1/2" × 6 1/2" | Use as cut | 2 |
| Accent | Square | 1 | 2 1/2" square | Use as cut | 1 |
Method
Piecing steps
Step 1: Cut the hearth square and label the logs by length using the chart.
Step 2: Begin with the 2 1/2" center. Add the two shortest light logs to its top and bottom, then the matching dark logs at the left and right.
Step 3: Continue in opposite pairs: light above and below first, then dark at the sides. After each round the unit should measure 6 1/2", 10 1/2", and finally 14 1/2".
Step 4: Join the sections with a consistent 1/4-inch seam, pressing between seams. Check that the unfinished block measures 14 1/2" square.