This pattern uses the Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) technique. Because the “logs” are sewn at an angle, sewing them directly onto a paper foundation prevents the fabric from stretching and ensures perfectly sharp points.
Materials & Tools List
- Foundation Paper: Standard printer paper, vellum, or specialized foundation paper (like Newsprint or Foundation Paper Piecing sheets).
- Fabric (Coordinated Palette):
- Center Square: 1 solid or distinct print (like the solid orange in your photo).
- Assorted Strips: A mix of 4 to 6 different fabrics (florals, stripes, polka dots, and solids) cut into strips roughly $1.5″ \text{ to } 2″$ wide (it’s better to have them slightly wider, as FPP requires a bit of overlap).
- Rotary Cutter & Cutting Mat: Essential for trimming accurate seam allowances.
- Quilt Ruler: A standard rectangular ruler, plus an Add-A-Quarter ruler (highly recommended for FPP to automatically add a precise $1/4″$ seam allowance).
- Sewing Machine: Set to a short stitch length (1.5mm). This perforates the paper, making it much easier to tear away at the end.
- Iron & Pressing Mat: Crucial for pressing every single seam flat as you build the block.
- Postcard or Index Card: A thin, stiff piece of cardstock used to fold the paper foundation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Foundation Pattern
- Print or draw your Twisted Log Cabin template onto your foundation paper.
- The template will have a center square labeled 1, and surrounding sections numbered sequentially (2, 3, 4, 5…) winding around the center in a spiral or clockwise motion.
Step 2: Place the Center Square (Position 1)
- Turn your printed paper face down (you will always place fabric on the unprinted side, and sew on the printed side).
- Take your center square fabric and place it over section 1, ensuring it covers the entire section plus at least $1/4″$ beyond all lines. Pin it in place with the right side of the fabric facing away from the paper.
Step 3: Align and Sew the First Strip (Position 2)
- Place your Postcard/Cardstock on the printed side of the paper along the line between section 1 and section 2.
- Fold the paper back over the cardstock.
- Use your Add-A-Quarter ruler against the folded edge and trim the excess fabric of the center square. This gives you a perfect $1/4″$ seam allowance.
- Unfold the paper. On the fabric side, place your Strip 2 right side down on top of the center square, aligning the raw edges along the line you just trimmed.
- Flip the paper back to the printed side. Sew directly on the line between 1 and 2, extending a few stitches past the starting and ending lines.
Step 4: Press and Trim
- Flip the paper back to the fabric side. Flip Strip 2 open so its right side is now facing up.
- Press the seam flat with your iron (do not slide the iron, just press down to avoid distorting the fabric).
- Cut off the excess length of Strip 2 so it aligns with the outer boundary of that section.
Step 5: Repeat the Process Sequentially
- Move to Section 3: Place your cardstock on the line between the existing unit (1/2) and section 3. Fold the paper back, trim to a $1/4″$ seam allowance using the ruler, align Strip 3 (right sides together), flip, and sew along the line on the printed side.
- Press and Repeat: Open Strip 3, press, and move on to Section 4.
- Continue working your way around the block in numerical order (5, 6, 7…) following the spiral layout. Notice how the angled template lines automatically create the “twisted” illusion as you add more strips.
Step 6: Final Trim and Square Up
- Once all sections are covered, press the entire block thoroughly from the fabric side.
- Flip to the printed side. Use your rotary cutter and acrylic ruler to trim the entire block along the outer dashed registration line (the boundary that includes the outer seam allowance).
- Gently tear away the foundation paper from the back of the block, starting from the outside and working your way toward the center square.
