Log Cabin Crochet Square Free Pattern
Introduction
The Log Cabin Crochet Square is a wonderfully simple way to build a classic quilt-block look with nothing but single crochet. It's perfect for beginners who are comfortable with the basic stitch and want a project that grows in satisfying, manageable strips. Alternating brown and tan rectangular "logs" spiral outward from a small center block, creating a warm, rustic, cabin-inspired square with a slightly textured surface. Worked in worsted weight yarn, it feels cozy and sturdy, and a single square makes a lovely coaster or pillow front while a stack of them becomes a beautiful afghan.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic or wool blend. Color A (Brown): 70 yd. Color B (Tan): 70 yd.
- Hook: 6 mm (J/10) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a measuring tape.
- Finished size: 12 inches (30.5 cm) square after blocking.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
- sc – single crochet: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- sl st – slip stitch: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
- st(s) – stitch(es).
- Rnd – round (worked here only for the edging).
Gauge
14 single crochet stitches x 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). To check, crochet a small swatch in single crochet and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Each log is worked as a flat strip, so keep your turning chains loose and consistent to avoid a tight edge.
- When you "work evenly across an edge," place one single crochet into each row-end or stitch along that edge so the count matches the pattern.
- Fasten off and weave in ends as you finish each log to keep the back tidy and prevent tangling.
- Blocking at the end is what squares up the piece to a true 12 inches, so don't skip it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Center (Color A)
Ch 12.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (11 sc).
Rows 2-6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (11 sc).
Fasten off A.
Log 1 (Color B)
Join B to top right corner of center. Ch 1, work 11 sc evenly across top edge, then 6 sc along right edge (17 sc).
Row 1: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (17 sc).
Rows 2-3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (17 sc).
Fasten off B.
Log 2 (Color A)
Join A to bottom left corner of center. Ch 1, work 11 sc evenly across bottom edge, then 9 sc along left edge (20 sc).
Row 1: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (20 sc).
Rows 2-3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (20 sc).
Fasten off A.
Log 3 (Color B)
Join B to top left corner of Log 2. Ch 1, work 20 sc evenly across top edge of Log 2, then 12 sc along left edge of Log 1 (32 sc).
Row 1: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (32 sc).
Rows 2-3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (32 sc).
Fasten off B.
Log 4 (Color A)
Join A to bottom right corner of Log 1. Ch 1, work 17 sc evenly across bottom edge of Log 1, then 15 sc along right edge of Log 3 (32 sc).
Row 1: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (32 sc).
Rows 2-3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (32 sc).
Fasten off A.
Log 5 (Color B)
Join B to top right corner of Log 4. Ch 1, work 32 sc evenly across top edge of Log 4, then 18 sc along right edge of Log 3 (50 sc).
Row 1: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (50 sc).
Rows 2-3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (50 sc).
Fasten off B.
Log 6 (Color A)
Join A to bottom left corner of Log 3. Ch 1, work 32 sc evenly across bottom edge of Log 3, then 21 sc along left edge of Log 5 (53 sc).
Row 1: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (53 sc).
Rows 2-3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (53 sc).
Fasten off A.
Edging (Color B)
Join B to any corner. Ch 1, sc evenly around entire square, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
This square is worked in one piece, so there is no seaming. Weave in all yarn ends securely on the wrong side using your tapestry needle. Block the square to 12 inches (30.5 cm): mist lightly with water, pin to a flat surface at the correct measurements, and let it dry completely. If joining multiple squares into an afghan, block them all to the same size first, then whipstitch or single crochet them together edge to edge.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Change the color story: use cream and gray, or red and white, for a completely different look while keeping the same log structure.
- Make a larger blanket by working additional logs in the same alternating spiral, adding two more logs per color as the square grows.
- Use a contrasting color for the final edging to frame the square, or work the edging in the same color as the last log for a seamless finish.
