Log Cabin Paper-Weaving

 

Here's a fun new method for papercrafting a dead-ringer facsimile of Log Cabin patchwork.You simply quick-weave individual pattern block tiles. You can assemble the individual tiles to make a bigger design, or place one tile on each face of a gift box.

The Schoolhouse Quilt patchwork block design is a bonus motif, so you can add variety to your designs.

Here are your downloads (cutting files and a .pdf for handcrafters). Tut follows later in the post!
LogCabinWeaving.svg 
GiftBox.svg 
LogCabinWeaving.pdf 
GiftBox.pdf 

Note to handcrafters: this project is very do-able without any high-tech assistance! 

Paper Patchwork: Log Cabin Weaving Tutorial

The Log Cabin patterns are created with woven paper strips. The strips are attached to a fixed base, so alignment is foolproof. Directions are given for two different Log Cabin designs.

Style 1

A pleasing stairstep effect.

1. To start, you need two fringed rectangles in contrasting colours. You may wish to use a ditsy print for one of them, to recreate a convincing fabric patchwork look.

2. Fold each rectangle in half crosswise. Crease the rectangles across the base of the strips - use a bone folder for a crisp fold. Stick the rectangle bases together at right angles. A strip of d/s tape at top and bottoms does the trick. Note: if you want to maintain a consistent look, you must stick the rectangles together in the same direction each time.

 3. Above, a  Log Cabin Weaving Tile ready to go.

4. To weave Style 1, turn the tile on the diagonal. Glue the first strip down. A dab of glue at the tip will do the job. Apply the glue with a cocktail stick. Precision pays off. Make sure the end of the weaving strip is level with the edge of the base.

5. Next, weave the first dark-coloured strip going in the opposite direction. Continue in this way, gluing alternate strips. That's all there is to it!

6. Pic above shows the next strip along. The pattern begins to emerge
(clock the diamond at the base of the square).

7. The penultimate strip. Apply glue along its length so it doesn't gap at the edge of the weaving tile.

8. The final strip. Apply glue along its length, too.

11. The completed tile.Note: weaving order determines the look of the tile. If you want the last strip to be dark, begin weaving with a light-coloured strip. Or vice versa.

12. You can add a bit of colour like so.

13. Or like so.

Style 2

A trad log cabin look.

1. Assemble the weaving tile, following steps 1-3 for Style 1. Next, crease the bottom strips upwards. Apply a little dab of glue under the folded base of each.

2. Row 1: apply glue to the underside of the dark-coloured strip. Fold it toward the left and glue down, with edges aligned.

3. Row 2: dark strip under 1, over 3, under 1. Glue strip end. Row 3: dark strip under 2, over 1, under 2. Glue strip end. Make sure that the crosswise strips butt up against each other, leaving no gaps.

4. Row 4: dark strip under 1, over 3, under 1. Row 5 (last row): to prep, glue down the ends of all the light-coloured tabs.

5. Last row: apply glue along the length of the last dark strip. Glue down, aligning carefully. You can trim off any warp strips that project beyond the edge.

6. The finished Log Cabin Tile - no frills.

 7. ... and embellished.

Both tile styles, side-by-side.

 Now for the Gift Box:

1. To assemble the gift box, you simply need to crease the folds and stick the tab. The notched lid is the top. The bottom is plain.

2. Above, the assemble box and the components of the Schoolhouse Quilt motif. To decorate the box, you need five decorative tiles for the box sides and top.

3. Layering the Schoolhouse Quilt motif. Glue the "ghost house" centred on the square. Top layer: red window/door cutout. Glue it on with edge aligned.

4. Lid good to go.

5. Above, a completed box with both Log Cabin tiles and the Schoolhouse Quilt motif.

Prairie Points

The Prairie Points (also called Somerset Patchwork) make an ideal trim for a Log Cabin Patchwork card. Very simple to make:

1. Bottom strip: Prairie Point Border, cut but unfolded. Top strip: the diagonals have been folded.

2. To assemble the Prairie Points, apply a dab of glue to the little tab. Glue the tab underneath the flap to form a triangle. The completed Prairie Point border resembles a row of paper boats.

3. Apply d/s tape or glue to the border strip. Slip it under the edge of your greeting card, so that only the Prairie Points are visible. Super-deluxe: a double layer of staggered Prairie Points looks attractive.

Prairie Points in place, under tile edges.

That concludes the tut. Enjoy paper patchworking!

Thanks to Leah, for patiently taking the pics.

If you enjoy Paper Patchwork, check out my Paper Patchwork papercraft template for Hot Off The Press, here: Paper Patchwork template, No. 7411 paper-patchwork-template, No 7411