Log Cabin Quilt How to Make Easy Colorful Log Cabin Quilt Block What is a log cabin quilt? A log cabin quilt, or log cabin quilt block, is one of the most popular traditional quilt patterns and is pieced together using strips of fabric, with a small square at the center of the block. Log cabin quilt patterns are a staple in American quilting, and first rose to popularity during the time of the Civil War. Traditional log cabin quilts typically use a red center square, meant to symbolize the hearth of a home, and are often associated with the pioneer movement of the 1800s. Log cabin quilts were also used to symbolize stops on the Underground Railroad. Log cabin quilts and quilt blocks are typically very easy and quick to make, given their use of strip piecing techniques. They work very well with scrap fabric, and present a natural way to play with color value in quilt design. Learn how to make the building blocks of your next full quilt project with these fun and simple log cabin quilt block patterns.