Four Color Card Tricks This is a nine patch block made up of diagonal half squares and quarter squares. This block deals with open biased edges, and which be treated carefully. Don't stretch those edges, or your block will not go together correctly. Check your measurements very carefully. Each block should measure 12 1/2 inches when it is finished. Accuracy from beginning to end will ensure that your blocks come out perfectly. Measure carefully, sew carefully, and you will have a perfect block. For a four color card tricks block you will need -     From color one cut one 4 7/8 inch block, then cut in half diagonally         Also cut on 5 1/4 inch block, then cut in quarters diagonally     From color two cut one 4 7/8 inch block, then cut in half diagonally         Also cut on 5 1/4 inch block, then cut in quarters diagonally     From color three cut one 4 7/8 inch block, then cut in half diagonally         Also cut on 5 1/4 inch block, then cut in quarters diagonally     From color four cut one 4 7/8 inch block, then cut in half diagonally         Also cut on 5 1/4 inch block, then cut in quarters diagonally     From your background cut two 4 7/8 inch blocks, then cut each one in half diagonally         Also cut one 5 1/4 inch block, and cut in quarters diagonally     Do you understand bias? It is the directional grain of the fabric. The true bias is 45 degree angle to the selvage. It's the stretchiest part of the fabric so should be handled with care. If you stretch it when you are sewing it, or pressing it, your block will be out of shape, or miss-sized. Each unit you sew should finish at 4 1/2 inches when you are done putting them together. I find it easiest to lay the pieces out to make the block design before you start sewing. Don't try pinning them together, that might stretch them. Remember you are handling bias edges, so handle them carefully. Sew each one of the units together. They should be 4 1/2 inches when finished. Finally sew all the rows together, press for ease of construction. Your finished card tricks block should measure exactly 12 1/2 inches.     This pattern can be used for personal use only and can not be used commercially without the owner's permission. No copies may be made without the owner's permission. This includes the patterns as well as any graphics and/or instructions that are associated with a pattern. The content on these pages, including text and images are the sole property of the Delaware Quilts and may not be used in any manner without consent. All Rights Reserved. Card Tricks © Delaware Quilts January 2003 Updated September 1, 2025 |Home| Quilts| Email|