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Around the Corner  Pattern Instructions
Free Online Pattern

© Flavin Glover 2000
 

 
Around the Corner (click name or image at right to see larger picture of finished quilt) is a small wall quilt depicting six Log Cabin patchwork houses.  It was inspired by Row Houses, one of my favorite quilts. You are welcome to print and use the pattern as illustrated or be inspired by it to create your own patchwork houses variation.

Before the construction considerations, I invite you to preview the design.  A block placement diagram will aid you in seeing how the houses fit together and share roof blocks with an adjacent house.  Each Log Cabin block is designed as a 4 1/2-inch finished square with logs of 1/2-inch finished width.  Each block is ready to print and contains the piecing route (A to B, etc) for that specific block.  To view or print all of the full size blocks click here.
   

Color Plan and Fabric Considerations

  Half the fun of making a quilt is selecting a color plan and choosing the fabrics.  For color inspiration see the quilt, Row Houses, selected as one of the 20th Century's 100 Best American Quilts
    
  As you experiment with color choices and placement of the houses, think about contrast in order to distinguish one house from another.
    
  For small patchwork buildings, I prefer fabric in 1/2-yard cuts or fat-quarters in order to cut fabric strips lengthwise (parallel to the selvage) rather than cutting crosswise.  I cut crosswise to gain a specific fabric variation such as a crosswise stripe.
    
  Narrow logs cut from lengthwise strips tend to have less stretch when pieced, as compared to logs cut from crosswise strips.
     
 
Cutting narrow logs to specified lengths needed prior to construction can also aid in block accuracy and actually speed up machine piecing time.
       

Construction Considerations

  For ease in designing, each house has the same size windows and doors (not so in Row Houses).  You can adjust the style of the first floor windows and doors, if desired.
     
  At first glance, the blocks may appear to be Basic Log Cabin squares.  They are all based on the Traditional Log Cabin, with logs stitched concentrically around the center (A).  There are variations in the piecing routes to set in roof lines, balance the windows and accommodate the doors.  Also note the east and west blocks of first and second floors are mirror images of each other.
      
  Using the full size block, I measure each finished log length, add seam allowances to the ends and cut the log lengths from one-inch strips in the desired colors.
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To see a full page Piecing Diagram and Log Cutting Guides, click here or on the diagram below

  If you prefer to use the sew and snip construction method, be methodical as you cut away remaining strip after each log is sewn into place.  Accurate sew and snip blocks are possible with narrow logs--but not as easy as when wider logs are used.
      
  If you prefer foundation piecing the blocks, print additional blocks for each house.  Piece the fabric strips directly onto each paper block.  After all the blocks are stitched together, create the quilt top; tear away the paper.  
   
   
 
  With any of the construction methods, the piecing route remains the same.  To piece a block using the letter routing, begin with Logs A and B with right sides facing and join with a 1/4-inch seam.  Finger press seam toward B.  Using each block's piecing route, continue sewing in a concentric manner, joining Log C to the A/B unit as illustrated to the left.  Continue to follow specific piecing route for that specific block until all logs are stitched.  Press completed blocks with seams outward from the center square.
    
  One block that needs special attention is the West Upper Roof Block.  Note Log C is cut from a chimney (contrasting to roof) fabric.  Begin piecing A to B, finger press seam to B.  On right side piece C (chimney) to A/B; then on the left side, piece D to unit as illustrated before continuing the piecing in a clockwise direction.

  When all blocks for each house are completed and pressed, arrange blocks in rows.  Double-check block placements before joining blocks.  Stitch blocks top-to-bottom to form short vertical rows for each house.  Stitch the rows together to form each house.  Stitch the houses together.
  
 
Cut inner border strips 2 1/2" inches wide from a selected inner border fabric.  Join a border strip at the bottom and top of the patchwork top.  Join border strips to each side.   
    
  To create color chip squares for the border, cut 2 1/2-inch squares from all the fabrics used in houses and windows.  Border each square with 1-inch wide strips from a variety of coordinating, yet contrasting colors.  Join the squares at side to form four border rows.  You will need 10 color chip units for each row on the top and bottom of quilt; and 16 color chip units for each row on the sides.  Join the rows onto the top and bottom, then the sides.  

  Cut outer border strips 2 3/4" wide from a selected border fabric.  Join an outer border strip at the bottom and top of the patchwork top.  Join border strips to each side.
   
  Now you are ready to quilt the top as desired.  Finally, bind the edges.