Log Cabin blocks usually start with a square. Strips are added around the square, often with two sides being of lighter fabrics and the other two sides of darker prints. A red center square was thought to symbolize the hearth of the home, and a yellow center was believed to represent light shining through the…
The name Log Cabin is likely related to Abraham Lincoln’s history of reportedly growing up in a log cabin, and his 1860 presidential campaign. Written mentions of a Log Cabin quilt date back to 1863 when an honorable award was given for a “log cabin quilt” at the Ohio State Fair. Later that year fundraisers…
The Shoo Fly is a 9 patch variation originating around 1850. It was named after a wild plant called Clover Broom or “Shoo-Fly”. Juices from the plant were mixed with milk to attract and kill flies. It’s reported the Shoo Fly was part of the Underground Railroad quilt code indicating people at that location could…
Though it’s possible it was earlier, definitive evidence indicates quilting was introduced to Europeans by the Crusaders
The oldest known surviving quilt is Russian, a quilted linen carpet found in a Mongolian cave
How to calculate what size squares to cut based on the HSTs finished sizes. Examples included for 1.5″, 2.5″ and 3.5″ HSTs.