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 counter- clockwise and continuing with the same yarn or starting with another, pick up X number of stitches across the entire edge. Knit X number of rows then bind off all stitches except for the last one. Turn work counter- clockwise and continuing with the same yarn or starting with another, pick up X number of stitches across the entire edge. Knit X number of rows then bind off all stitches except for the last one. Turn work counter- clockwise and continuing with the same yarn or starting with another, pick up X number of stitches across the entire edge. Rinse and repeat. Edited because I’m an idiot! Thanks Larissa!
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.
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!
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.
Thank you for those instructions, clear and concise. I have been fiddling with the idea of making a log cabin baby blanket.
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!
yum, Cara! I love those colors together. 🙂
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!
Thanks for the instructions. I’ve always admired log cabin quilts, and now I can try out the technique in knitting.
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.
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
Ok, now I am officially HOOKED!!!! This is fab, and I’m LOVING your blog!!
Love the new log cabin–I cannot wait to see it completed!
Great tutorial, and as ever, some gorgeous photos. Look forward to the Log Cabin group!
Ah…that’s how it’s done. I will agree, the colors are fab!
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…)
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! =)
Wow, thanks so much! That made it really clear for me. I’d never quite understood the construction before.
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.
Absoltutely gorgeous colors! I can’t wait to see more progress and the final outcome!
Gorgeous! Love the yarn…love the colors. I’ve made a ton of those in fabric but the yarn adds such a special dimension.
the colors are so vibrant
Mine is currently in Amish shades of blue, green, black, brown, and burgundy. It is ADDICTING.
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!
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.
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
This is super fabulous! I was looking for an idea for hand towels, and this is perfect! Thanks!
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.
Love love love the colors together. There’s something about the subtle changes in each that really rocks the garter st, too.