Card Trick Quilt Block Pattern

Card Trick quilt block pattern — a step-by-step geometric quilting tutorial using half-square triangles to create an overlapping card illusion

Card Trick quilt block pattern overview


Card Trick quilt block fabric layout and cutting guide

New to quilting? Check out our beginner quilting class covering all the basics.

How to Sew the Card Trick Quilt Block

The Card Trick block creates a beautiful illusion of overlapping playing cards using half-square triangles and solid squares arranged in a 4×4 grid. Follow the steps in the images above to cut and assemble your block, pressing seams carefully for crisp, accurate results.

Completed Card Trick quilt block — finished patchwork block example

How to Resize Quilt Blocks

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on your finished block size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.

Note: When working from a pattern's cutting instructions, remove the seam allowance before scaling. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½″ squares, subtract the seam allowance (½″), double the finished size (3″ → 6″), then add the seam allowance back (½″) — giving you a 6½″ cut piece.

Resizing Square Blocks

Add ½″ to your finished block measurement. For a 4″ finished square, cut a 4½″ square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks

Add ½″ to both the length and width. To double a 3″ × 4″ block, cut a 6½″ × 8½″ rectangle.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks

Add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished HST block, cut 4⅞″ squares.

Resizing Quarter Square Triangle Blocks

Add 1¼″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished block, cut 5¼″ squares.

 

0 comments

Leave a comment