wonky (ˈwɒŋkɪ) | |
— adj , -kier , -kiest | |
1. | shaky or unsteady |
2. | not in correct alignment; askew |
I have wanted to make a “Wonky House” block for quite a while- I think they are so cute and fun! I have made just two blocks so far- I just LOVE how they came out! I would love to make a whole pile for a quilt. But if I don’t have time, I think this would make a really cute pillow or wall hanging.
I like the extra scrappiness that the Log Cabin block adds to my little house. The Log Cabin Block can be just a little wonky, or super-wonky, whichever you prefer.
This tutorial will show you how to make the Wonky Log Cabin block, and then how to turn it into a house block. Let’s get started!
This will make a 12 1/2″ block (12″ finished size.) You will need various scraps of fabric. I used fabric from my Happy Town fabric line. You will also need fabric for the background- I used white but you can use any solid or tonal.
- Scraps- strips should about 2-3″ wide. (You can cut the strips ahead of time, or just cut them as you go.)
- Background- 2 pieces 3 1/2 x 7 1/2″ and 1 piece 7 x 15″
- Roof fabric- 4 1/2 x 8 1/2″
Start with a square about 2 1/2″ big- it doesn’t even have to be a perfect square. Trim one side off on an angle. (The bigger the angle, the “wonkier” the block will be.)
Sew a strip of fabric to the angled side. Press and then trim excess fabric.
Turn block 90 degrees and sew another strip to the side.
Trim excess fabric, following the edge of the existing block.
I wanted the yellow strip to be a little narrower, and I wanted my block to be a little more wonky, so I trimmed it off at an angle.
Continue turning the block 90 degrees and sewing on strips, cutting edges at an angle as desired.
Continue until block is at least 7 x 8″ big. When you get to this point, don’t worry about the excess fabric because we will be trimming the block anyway. (At this point- you could just trim it to the desired size and use it as a Log Cabin block, or continue to make the House block.)
Trim the block to 6 1/2 x 7 1/2″.
Sew background fabric (3 1/2 x 7 1/2″) to either side of the block.
For the roof, start from the bottom corner and cut up to top, then make another cut from remaining bottom corner. (The angle doesn’t matter as long as your cuts go from the bottom corners to the top edge.)
Place 7 x 15″ piece of background fabric right side up on table. Place roof triangle right side up on background fabric.
Cut the background fabric, using the roof as a guide.
Discard the background triangle under the roof fabric.
Place shape A right sides together with roof triangle and sew together.
Press. Sew shape B to other side of roof.
Press. Trim bottom edge so it is even with roof bottom.
Sew roof to block. Trim block to 12 1/2″.
So there you have it! An adorably wonky house- wouldn’t a bunch of these make a cute “wonky” village??
Have you ever made a “wonky” or “crazy” kind of block? Were you happy with the way it turned out? Tell us about it!
The sweetest little wonky house and such a fabulous detailed tutorial. Thank you.
Thanks, Melody! Glad you found it helpful :)
So cute
What cute wonky houses Jacquelynne! I just finished a little quilt using Happy Town too!
http://www.conniekresin.com/2013/06/happy-town-and-dulcinea.html
I just popped over to take a look at your quilt- it came out so cute! It’s so bright and cheerful… and I love any kind of pinwheel block. They’re my favorite :)
Me encantó la idea!!!
Gracias por compartir!
I just love this Wonky House. So cute and clever. Thank you.
I’d like this in a smaller block I think. And that’s doable! Thanks
I make “wonky” fabric a lot. I usually end up with quarter yard pieces. They are so fun and then make into totes, bags, placemats, etc.
Great idea for using up scraps, Dianne!!
Adorable blocks and wonderful tutorial! Thank you!
I love wonky log cabins and wonky houses so this has my name written all over it.
So adorable! Love this block. Thanks, Jacquelyn!
So cute! Now I’ll have to make some!?
I saw a quilt called BrightHouse that was realy wonkly and thought
your house plan would work wel. Thanks for the greaat tutorial. Any suggestions?
I just saw this block for the first time yesterday and it is adorable. Thank you for the directions, can’t wait to get started!
Thank you! I now know what to do with my log cabin “squares.” I was taught to do log cabins by hand. Wonky is a reality. A roof and a sky. I am on it. Thanks.
Great tutorial. I have started making wonky houses.I am a beginner. So thanks for the explanations.