Does this include borders?
No. Use the border calculator separately to add border yardage.
Free quilting calculator
Log Cabin Quilt Calculator
Log cabin quilts are built by adding strips around a center square. This calculator estimates the center square size, number of strips per block, and total yardage for your project.
Result
Log Cabin cutting estimate
20 blocks at 12" with 5 rounds, using about 0.875 yards total.
- Finished block size
- 12"
- Center square cut size
- 3.5"
- Strip width
- 1.5"
- Number of rounds
- 5
- Number of blocks
- 20
- Strips per block
- 20
- Total strips
- 400
- Estimated total yardage
- 0.875 yards
Each round adds four strips (two light, two dark). Adjust strip width for traditional 1.5" logs or modern 2" strips.
Formula
Center square is roughly one-quarter of the finished block size. Each round adds four strips (two light, two dark). Yardage is estimated from WOF strips with seam allowance.
Example calculation
A 12 inch block with 5 rounds and 1.5 inch strips has a center square about 3 inches finished and needs 20 strips per block.
Results are planning estimates. Always round up when buying fabric, especially for directional prints, shrinkage, fussy cutting, or cutting mistakes.
Related calculators
Quilt Block CalculatorCalculate how many quilt blocks you need based on finished quilt size, block size, sashing, and borders.Fabric Yardage CalculatorEstimate fabric yardage from piece size, fabric width, quantity, seam allowance, and project type.Half-Square Triangle CalculatorCalculate HST cutting sizes and yardage for the two-at-a-time method or traditional method. Enter finished size and block count.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use different strip widths?
Yes. Enter your preferred strip width. Traditional log cabin patterns often use 1.5 inch strips.
What is the center square made from?
The center is typically a plain square, often red for traditional log cabin quilts, representing the hearth of the home.
Does this plan for light and dark fabrics separately?
Yes, each round uses two light and two dark strips. The total yardage should be divided between your light and dark fabric groups.