Log Cabin Needlepoint Sampler Free Design

This week we’ll begin the Log Cabin Needlepoint Sampler Free Design with the corner block.

It’s stitched using the metallic thread using a delightful 4×4 Cross Stitch called Bound Cross, below.

The diagram shows the layers of the stitch. First three stitches in one direction are made. They are then crossed with three stitches in the other direction, completing the stitch.

It has a more square feel than many other Cross Stitches and a very bumpy texture.

This stitch does not fit into the area evenly. There will be six complete stitches and one partial stitch in each row. To make the partial stitches, complete as much of each layer of the stitch as you can. For this stitch you will compensate the stitches from one end of the stitch (beginning or end) and the other layer from the opposite end.

Why is this called Log Cabin?

Initially this quilt design had the square patch in the center with the rectangular patches built up around it. The center block was usually red and considered to be the chimney of the cabin. Because thew other patches are long and skinny, they look like logs. Hence the name.

Today Log Cabin quilts can have the chimney anywhere in the block although corner are the most common variation. In more modern Log Cabin quilts the logs don’t have to be even in width and they don’t even have to be cut straight.

In later weeks, we’ll talk about this popular quilt more.

Follow the entire series on-line

• Introduction, materials and outlining
• Corner block
• Genny’s Scotch
• Double Brick & Straight Milanese
• Scottish Checker
• Point de Tresse
• Giant Elongated Diagonal Cashmere
• Laidwork (Junipero)
• Montmartre Stitch
• Double Smnyrna Cross Block
• Ming Stitch
• Patterned Threes
• Diagonal Shingle