The card trick quilt block is a traditional block that gives the illusion of cards overlapping.
It has been on my list of blocks to make for quite some time. But, I'll admit, I was intimidated. I couldn't quite wrap my head around it.
I finally did it. And it's not too hard.
Sure, there are a lot of steps. But stay with me and I'll help you make the block step-by-step.
CARD TRICK QUILT BLOCK (WINNING HAND BLOCK)
The card trick block is also sometimes known as the winning hand.I love the 3D effect the block has.
Another block I love with an interwoven effect is the Celtic twist block.
↓ ↓ ↓ PIN IT ↓ ↓ ↓
↑ ↑ ↑ PIN IT ↑ ↑ ↑
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING
There is one tool that is SUPER helpful for this block. I use it in every step.That is the HST Ruler.
I use the Quilt in a Day brand. It's definitely my most-used quilting ruler.
- fabric
- thread
- rotary cutter / cutting mat / straight edge
- sewing machine (This is my new machine that I absolutely love!)
- sewing scissors
- pencil
- iron and wool ironing mat
- HST Ruler
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A 6" CARD TRICK BLOCK
This tutorial is for a 6 inch block. But what if you want to make it another size?I've got you covered with a printable pattern in my shop.
The pattern features step-by-step instructions with color diagrams and fabric cut list for 5 sizes (6", 8", 12", 15" & 18").
This pdf pattern is super handy to keep near your sewing machine as you cut and sew this block.
.jpg "mockup of pattern for card trick block")
To print out the cutting chart click the ↑chart above↑ or the ↓link below↓
GET THE PATTERN WITH 5 SIZES NOW!
CUT LIST FOR CARD TRICK BLOCK (6 INCH)
- (A) Background - 4) 3 1/2 inch squares
- (B) Red - 3) 3 1/2 inch squares
- (C) Blue - 3) 3 1/2 inch squares
- (D) Pink - 3) 3 1/2 inch squares
- (E) Yellow - 3) 3 1/2 inch squares
BONUS BLOCK
In the process of making this block, you will end up with a lot of extra pieces.You can make another whole block with a few more half-square triangles.
Cut the following:
- (A) Background - 4) 3 inch squares
- (B) Red - 1) 3 inch square
- (C) Blue - 1) 3 inch square
- (D) Pink - 1) 3 inch square
- (E) Yellow - 1) 3 inch square
HOW TO MAKE THE CARD TRICK QUILT BLOCK
This block has a lot of steps. Don't get overwhelmed. Simply work through them one step at a time. You can also watch my video tutorial.MAKING THE HALF-SQUARE TRIANGLES
Select the four background pieces and one square of each color of fabric.
On the back side of the background piece, draw two lines diagonally, 1/4 inch from the center.
To do this, line up the 1/4 inch marking on a quilting ruler from corner to corner of the square. Draw a line along the edge of the ruler. Repeat on the other side of the center.
Repeat with all background squares.
Place a background square with each colored square of fabric, making sure right sides are together.
Stitch the squares together along the drawn lines.
Cut each block in half, between the stitched lines, to make two half square triangles.
Trim one of each color to 2 1/2 inches. Press towards the background. Trim the tails.
Leave the remaining HST's without trimming. Press towards the color. Trim the tails.
Set aside all HST's for now.
MAKING THE HOURGLASS UNIT
Next, let's make the hourglass unit. Select one square of each color of fabric.
Place the red (B) and blue (C) fabrics right sides together. Place the pink (D) and yellow (E) fabrics right sides together.
Repeat the steps to make half square triangles. Draw sewing lines diagonally, 1/4 inch from both sides of center. Stitch along lines. Cut in half between the lines.
Select one half square triangle of each color combo. The others are extra and are not needed.
Press towards the blue (C) and yellow (E) fabrics.
On the back side of one of the squares, draw two lines diagonally, 1/4 inch from both sides of the center.
These lines should be perpendicular to the seam.
Place the two HST's, right sides together.
Arrange them so that the yellow (E) and red (B) match up, and the pink (D) and blue (C) match up.
The seams should be facing opposite directions so that they nest nicely.
Stitch along drawn lines. Cut in half between the stitching.
There will be two hourglass units.
Select the one that, when yellow (E) is on top and blue (C) is on bottom, the pink (D) is to the left and red (B) is to the right.
The other hourglass will not be used in this block.
Trim the unit to 2 1/2 inches. Press flat. Trim the tails.
MAKING THE QUARTER SQUARE UNIT
Using the untrimmed half square triangles and the remaining squares of fabric to create the quarter square units.The squares will be larger than the HSTs.
This is fine, we will trim them up later.
On the back side of each half square triangle, draw two lines diagonally, 1/4 inch from both sides of center.
Pair up the half square triangles with the squares in the order listed below. Remember right sides together.
- Red(B) / White HST with Yellow(E)
- Blue (C) / White HST with Red (B)
- Pink (D) / White HST with Blue (C)
- Yellow (E) / White HST with Pink (D)
Sew along lines. Cut in half between the lines.
You will only use one of these units from each pair. Refer to the chart to determine which units you will use. (The middle units on each side are the quarter square units.)
Trim units to 2 1/2 inches. Press toward the solid color side of the HST. Trim the tails.
ASSEMBLING THE CARD TRICK BLOCK
Arrange the units according to the chart above, or the picture below.
Sew together like you would a nine patch quilt block.
Sew together each row, nesting seams as you go.
Press top and bottom row towards the middle.
Press middle row away from the middle.
Sew each row together, nesting seams as you go. Press flat.
MAKING A BONUS BLOCK
Remember the extra hourglass and four extra quarter square units?If you make a few more half square triangles, you can create another block.
You will need 4 additional background pieces and 1 additional piece of EACH color (all 3-inch squares).
Create half square triangles using the same method as shown above.
You will only need 4 of the 8 HST's that you will create.
Trim to 2 1/2 inches. Press towards background. Trim tails.
Place the units in a nine patch formation. The difference is that the pieces will be in the opposite placement as the original block.
Sew the pieces together as a nine-patch.
The block on the left is our original block. The block on the right is the bonus block.
Want to watch the video? ↓↓Click the link ↓↓
MORE QUILT BLOCK TUTORIALS
Don't forget to pin it!!
.jpg "Ready to try something eye-catching? This free card trick quilt block tutorial shows you how to create the illusion of overlapping cards using simple piecing and clear photos. Great for using up scraps!")
0 comments