« The Palette Log Cabin | Main | Spin Out: NOT GIVING UP! »
June 29, 2006
How To Build A Log Cabin.
Using the Long Tail Cast-On, cast on X number of stitches. Knit X number of rows then bind off all stitches except for the last one. Turn work
X = whatever number your imagination can withstand.
The beginning of the log cabin above and the green squares I was working on before use this formula:
Cast on 20 stitches. Knit 24 garter stitch ridges (48 rows). Bind off all stitches except the last. Turn work and pick up along edge. Knit 9 garter stitch ridges (18 rows) and bind off all stitches except the last. Turn work and pick up along entire edge. Knit 9 garter stitch ridges (18 rows) and bind off all stitches except the last. Etc. Etc. Etc.
Note - the amount of stitches you pick up completely depends on you. I like to pick up the stitch between the garter stitch ridges and one stitch for every bound off stitch. But whatever method you prefer will be just fine. After a while you get what you like and that's what you do.
Note 2 - you can keep going as long as you'd like or you can stop when your square is smaller and make a few more and sew them together. Or you can make big ones and small ones and sew them together. Or make them medium size put a back on it and make a pillow. The sky's the limit.
Note 3 - To learn more about Log Cabin Knitting, I HIGHLY recommend Mason Dixon Knitting. It's what started my obsession. There are a few patterns in the book if you feel like you aren't ready to branch out on your own and Ann & Kay explain everything in a way that makes you understand AND laugh. What's better than that?
I encourage you to use your imagination and change up these numbers as you see fit. Thank you.
Posted by Cara at June 29, 2006 08:32 AM
Topics: Log Cabin
~ Palette
Comments
Your color combination is beautiful. I like the multi-colors even better than the greens. I have to try this pattern soon. Thanks for explaining it!
Posted by: Diane at June 29, 2006 09:23 AM
Okay... does this mean that at some point you are going to be picking up about a gazillion stitches?? Or do you make a bunch of different squares and then seam them all? Either way, I'm massively impressed. It's absolutely beautiful already - I can't imagine how great it's going to look all big and grown up.
Posted by: Kathy at June 29, 2006 09:25 AM
Thank you for those instructions, clear and concise. I have been fiddling with the idea of making a log cabin baby blanket.
Posted by: Kelly at June 29, 2006 09:26 AM
Cara, that's gorgeous! Okay, I'm going to start mine. We're off on vacation Saturday- la, la, la! Log Cabin by the pool!
Posted by: JulieFrick at June 29, 2006 10:00 AM
yum, Cara! I love those colors together. :)
Posted by: jess at June 29, 2006 10:06 AM
Okay - so yesterday I had the obsession under wraps - today you tell us how to knit the Log Cabin squares! Now I have no choice but to try it!
Posted by: Angelia at June 29, 2006 10:07 AM
Thanks for the instructions. I've always admired log cabin quilts, and now I can try out the technique in knitting.
Posted by: rose at June 29, 2006 10:27 AM
cara! darn girl, must you be so inspiring!? I was just telling myself, "no more yarn" now after reading this... yes i MUST go to my LYS.
Posted by: margaux at June 29, 2006 10:40 AM
I love it! I started a log cabin baby blanket (inspired by Mason Dixon) and haven't finished it yet. I put it down to work on socks and then more projects creeped in! This post has made me want to dig in my heels and finish!
I love your photographs by the way - simply amazing!
-Jody
Posted by: Jody at June 29, 2006 10:59 AM
Ok, now I am officially HOOKED!!!! This is fab, and I'm LOVING your blog!!
Posted by: Annie at June 29, 2006 11:01 AM
Love the new log cabin--I cannot wait to see it completed!
Posted by: Kristina at June 29, 2006 11:15 AM
Great tutorial, and as ever, some gorgeous photos. Look forward to the Log Cabin group!
Posted by: Liz at June 29, 2006 11:34 AM
Ah...that's how it's done. I will agree, the colors are fab!
Posted by: Christie at June 29, 2006 11:40 AM
Cara, my dear, okay, you're making me crazy! You see, I've been going through my stash to see what I really have, what I can get rid of, what I'd like to start next (after I finish the other billion and one projects that I keep finding hidden in said stash), and now I won't be able to give up the yarn that I was going to because it could be used in a log cabin. Darn you (and Ann and Kay) for showing an easily remembered pattern! (and your log cabin is going to be gorgeous...)
Posted by: Kathy in San Jose at June 29, 2006 12:23 PM
Thank you for the clear instructions! I really appreciate it! I really want to try this, but have to decide on the yarn. I love the look of yours done with the STR but would have to figure out how long it would take me to do a square. I'd love to get this done in time for a friend's wedding in August. Maybe I'll get some worsted weight and knit it slightly tighter...damn possibilities! =)
Posted by: Katie at June 29, 2006 12:37 PM
Wow, thanks so much! That made it really clear for me. I'd never quite understood the construction before.
Posted by: mote at June 29, 2006 12:56 PM
Nice work on these squares. They are gorgeous! But don't you turn clockwise? I'm sitting here without my knitting in hand so I can't confirm, but in my imagination I turn clockwise.
Posted by: larissa at June 29, 2006 01:29 PM
Absoltutely gorgeous colors! I can't wait to see more progress and the final outcome!
Posted by: Allegra at June 29, 2006 01:38 PM
Gorgeous! Love the yarn...love the colors. I've made a ton of those in fabric but the yarn adds such a special dimension.
Posted by: Jennifer at June 29, 2006 01:39 PM
the colors are so vibrant
Posted by: yahaira at June 29, 2006 03:48 PM
Mine is currently in Amish shades of blue, green, black, brown, and burgundy. It is ADDICTING.
Posted by: inky at June 29, 2006 03:56 PM
I've only made one thus far (Moderne Log Cabin), but it is totally addicting in that freedom-of-choice kind of way.
Yours is a beauty!
Posted by: Karen B. at June 29, 2006 05:18 PM
i'm using a really wildly verigated "Kids Yarn" from RH. don't know the color name though, it came into the shop with out a ball band so i bought it myself. i'll get a pix and post it on my blog this weekend. fun fun fun with verigated yarn. haven't made one of these in years. this one might be a purse for my grandaughter, not sure yet.
Posted by: marie in florida at June 30, 2006 09:06 AM
p.s. i slipped the first stitch of each edge; it's given me a lovely ridge of heart shaped stitches after i've done the pick up for the next section although i did have to be careful and knit into the back of the p/u stitches to twist them tightly enough to prevent a gap
Posted by: marie in florida at June 30, 2006 09:11 AM
This is super fabulous! I was looking for an idea for hand towels, and this is perfect! Thanks!
Posted by: Chrissy at July 2, 2006 01:45 PM
I love these squares. Thanks for the map. It goes well with Lara's info on Math4knitters podcast. I really need pictures. This knitting quilts has taken me up before with a baby blanket in tumbling blocks using stocking stitch, seed stitch and garter. Good thing there are more babies on the way.
Posted by: Angie at July 2, 2006 04:21 PM
Love love love the colors together. There's something about the subtle changes in each that really rocks the garter st, too.
Posted by: Theresa at July 4, 2006 12:44 AM