To make a log cabin pattern, start with a square and add strips in increasing lengths. You can quilt the finished piece (stitch it to a backing with a layer of batting in the middle), or use it as you would any piece of fabric. Five colors are used for this eight-inch square.

Using a rotary cutter and a quilting ruler, cut a 4-inch square of fabric (A). Cut a strip that's 2 1/2 inches wide and about 6 inches long (B). Place strip on top of square, front sides facing; align edges, and stitch together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

Open the 2 pieces of fabric. Keep the seams closed, and press the face of the fabric, ironing seam allowances out from the center. Use a quilting ruler and a rotary cutter to trim the strip (B) to the same length as the center square.

Cut a 2 1/2-inch-wide strip (C) about 8 inches long. Rotate the sewn piece a quarter turn to the right. Place the strip on top of the sewn piece, front sides facing; align the right edges, and stitch together.

Repeat the opening, pressing, and trimming to size.

Cut a 2 1/2-inch-wide strip about 8 inches long (D). Rotate the sewn piece a quarter turn to the right. Place the strip on top of the sewn piece, front sides facing; align the right edges, and stitch together.

Open the 2 pieces of fabric, and press the seams -- toward the center this time. Trim strip (D) to size.

Cut a 2 1/2-inch-wide strip about 11 inches long (E). Place sewn piece on top of strip to ensure all parallel seams lie in the same direction. Align right edges, and stitch.

Repeat the opening, pressing, and trimming to size.

Examine the back of the fabric, ensuring that all parallel seams lie in the same direction. Repeat steps 2 to 8 to add a second layer of longer strips around your original square.