Chimneys and Cornerstones Quilt Pattern

A Variation on a Log Cabin Quilt Block

Chimneys and Cornerstones quilt blocks are a variation on the Log Cabin quilt design. One set of 'logs' has squares at each end to form a strong diagonal pattern through the block. There is a decided resemblance to the Irish Chain quilt pattern.

The Building Blocks

A good choice for a confident beginner this block has no bias edges to contend with. No special rulers or other quilting tools are needed.

Chimneys and Cornerstones Quilt Block

Other common names: Unknown

Grid: 9x9

The piecing order is similar to the Courthouse Steps quilt block pattern, where strips are added on two opposite sides and then the block is pressed. This is repeated for the remaining two sides to complete a 'round'.

Generally this makes for faster piecing, but with the addition of squares to the ends of one set of strips or logs, it takes a bit longer to piece than a traditional Log Cabin or Courthouse Steps quilt block pattern.

The extra squares make this block unsuitable for paper piecing.

Let's take a look at the block.

A line drawing...

...and with fabric

You can see that the center is really a nine patch quilt block surrounded by three additional 'rounds' of strips. Our block is drawn on a 9x9 grid, but there is no reason why you couldn't increase or decrease the numbers of 'rounds' of strips as you need.

Chimneys and Cornerstones Quilt: Straight Rows

In this straight set, the blocks are all laid out in the same orientation.

5 x 7 blocks

Another straight set, each block has been rotated a quarter turn. Just a subtle difference from the first layout.

5 x 7 blocks

In this straight set, every other block is rotated a quarter turn creating a pattern that resembles a quilt made of Hour Glass quilt blocks.

5 x 7 blocks

In next setting, all the blocks are positioned in the same orientation. Then all the blocks in Rows 2, 4 and 6 are rotated a quarter turn. This seems to resemble a Native American Indian blanket pattern.

5 x 7 blocks

Chimneys and Cornerstones Quilt: Diagonal Rows

Our final example has all the blocks set on-point in the same direction. Just like an on point Irish Chain quilt pattern, the resulting design looks like horizontal and vertical rows of squares forming 'chains' or a grid.

Diagonal Rows: 5 x 7 blocks

Now Make It Your Own!

Use these layouts as a springboard for your imagination!

Remember that for this block to be effective you'll need good contrast between the quadrant fabrics—in our example block we've used green fabrics for one set and cream/white fabrics for the other set.

The 'chain' or squares added to the ends of the logs need to contrast as well. We've used red for the squares which is the complement of green...as far away from each other as two colors can be on the color wheel. That's high color contrast!

Enjoy designing and stitching YOUR Chimneys and Cornerstones quilt!

For more on Log Cabin Quilt Designs and their variations see:

• Log Cabin Quilt Designs
• Courthouse Steps Quilt Pattern

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