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We know how much our readers love classic quilt blocks, and we can’t wait for you to master this pattern from Brenda Plaster. The card trick quilt block is a great design to level up beginner quilting skills, as this pattern is made using smaller blocks and squares such as HSTs and QSTs. Sew your block in the charming ‘70s inspired color palette of our sample or make your card trick block in icy winter blues for a beautiful seasonal look.
Card Trick consists of three smaller blocks/squares: half-square triangle (HST), quarter-square triangle (QST) and split-triangle blocks/squares.
In the patch labels, the letter refers to the patch. The number refers to the fabric from which it is cut.
For example, A1 is an A patch cut from Fabric 1.
Cutting Instructions:
Fabric Cuts for One 12” Block:
Fabric 1: Cut two 5” squares and one 5-3/8” square.
Fabric 2: Cut two 5” squares and two 5-3/8” squares.
Fabric 3: Cut two 5” squares and two 5-3/8” squares.
Piecing Instructions:
Note: All seams are 1/4”. Press seams as indicated. You may need to reorient some seams when joining blocks (press the last inch or so of one of the seams in the opposite direction so seams nest). Or there’s the option of pressing seams open.
- Using 5” squares, draw a diagonal line on wrong side of two Fabric 1 squares. Layer right sides together with Fabric 2 and Fabric 3 squares. Sew 1/4” from each side on the drawn line.
- Cut on the drawn lines to make two each of A1/A2 and A1/A3 HST squares. Press seams toward A1 . Trim to 4-1/2” square.
- Cut on the drawn lines to make two each of A1/A2 and A1/A3 HST squares. Press seams toward A1 . Trim to 4-1/2” square.
- Using 5-3/8” squares, draw a diagonal line on wrong side of the lighter of one Fabric 2 or Fabric 3 square. Layer right sides together with remaining square. Sew 1/4” from each side of the drawn line. Cut on the drawn line to make two HST squares. Press seams toward Fabric 2.
- Layer these squares right sides together, locking seams. Draw a diagonal line perpendicular to the sewn line. Sew 1/4” from that line on each side. Cut on the drawn line to make two B2/B3 QST squares. (You use only one square but this method is recommended vs combining individual QSTs; it’s easier and you’ll get better results.) Press seams to one side or open.
- Aligning the 45-degree line on your ruler with one of the square’s seams, measure from the center of the square out to trim so that the square measures 2-1/4” from center on all four sides. The resulting square should measure 4-1/2” square.
- Layer these squares right sides together, locking seams. Draw a diagonal line perpendicular to the sewn line. Sew 1/4” from that line on each side. Cut on the drawn line to make two B2/B3 QST squares. (You use only one square but this method is recommended vs combining individual QSTs; it’s easier and you’ll get better results.) Press seams to one side or open.
- Cut the remaining 5-3/8” squares in half diagonally twice to make QSTs. Join as shown to make two pieced triangles of each variation. Press seams toward B2 or B3.
- Cut the remaining 5” squares in half to make HSTs. Sew to the pieced triangles to complete two split-triangle squares of each variation. Press seams toward A. Trim to 4-1/2” square.
- Cut the remaining 5” squares in half to make HSTs. Sew to the pieced triangles to complete two split-triangle squares of each variation. Press seams toward A. Trim to 4-1/2” square.
- Paying attention to their orientation, combine squares as shown to complete the block. Press seams so they nest or open to reduce bulk. Trim to 12-1/2” square.
