Quilt Lab: Design Your Own Log Cabin Quilt, Sundays, February 22nd, March 1st, 8th, & 15th, 3pm-5:30pm

Instructor: Courtney Zerizef

Skill Level: Beginner & up*, ages 15 and up

Class Length: 4 Session, 2.5 hours each session

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This is a beginner-friendly, pattern-free quilt lab! Rather than working from a single set pattern, students will learn multiple log cabin styles and layout possibilities. Fabric choices and yardage will vary by project, so students should come prepared for a flexible, design-driven approach.

Classic, versatile, and endlessly customizable, the log cabin block is a foundational quilting technique that builds precision while leaving plenty of room for personal creativity. In this four-week lab, students will explore both traditional and modern interpretations of the log cabin, strengthening their piecing skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how one block can lead to endless design possibilities.

Courtney will guide students through fabric selection, color placement, and construction techniques that produce crisp blocks and balanced compositions. The class will cover how light and dark values, color, tone, and temperature influence the overall design, and how subtle layout changes can dramatically transform the finished quilt. Students are encouraged to work from their stash, a curated bundle, or a thoughtful combination of both.

By the end of the lab, students will have a completed quilt top or a substantial portion of one, depending on size and individual pace (crib, lap, or small throw recommended). Some light homework may be required between sessions.

This class is great for quilters who are new or comfortable with basic piecing and ready to deepen their understanding of block construction and intentional design.

Session 1:

• Introduction to log cabin construction
• Fabric selection and value planning
• Cutting strategies for efficiency and accuracy
• Begin first log cabin blocks

Session 2:

• Review piecing techniques and accuracy tips
• Assemble additional blocks
• Pressing strategies for flat, consistent blocks

Session 3:

• Exploring layout options (traditional, modern, and improvisational)
• Arranging blocks for visual impact
• Begin assembling rows or larger sections

Session 4:

• Completing and refining the quilt top
• Final layout adjustments
• Pressing and finishing techniques
• Discussion of next steps: quilting options and finishing ideas

Be prepared - purchase your supplies online or in person before class begins! Class supplies are available for purchase at Modern Domestic. Please note that our store hours are Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Class supplies cannot be purchased when our shop is closed. 

To purchase supplies in store, we recommend allowing at least 45 minutes to shop. Our store hours are Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. If purchasing materials online, purchase supplies at least two days in advance to allow for prepping. All class supplies purchased at Modern Domestic get a 10% discount - please inquire for the code. 

Supply List:

- Variety of Fat Quarters or ½ yard cuts of Quilting Cotton: Quantities will vary based on project size and design. A mix of light and dark fabrics with clear contrast is recommended. Bring your stash and/or fat quarters that excite you. At minimum, students should plan to bring one fabric for the center and at least three light and three dark fabrics, with ½ yard of each to ensure enough material for a throw-size quilt and allow flexibility in block size and layout.

- 1 large spool of Mettler Metrosene All-Purpose Polyester Thread (white, off-white, or coordinating color recommended)

- Batting & Binding: Can be purchased after the first session, once project size is determined

*Skill Level: Beginner & up - You’ve taken a class or two and are starting to get comfortable with the basics. You know what a seam allowance is, you’ve sewn a little on your own, but you still need a little help with remembering how to thread the machine and wind a bobbin. These classes usually have little if any homework to complete outside of class time. The prerequisite for any Beginner class is a Sew Basics class, Learn to Sew class, or equivalent. This skill level is not for people who have never used a sewing machine before.

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