Card Trick Quilt – Tutorial

The Card Trick Quilt is a classic pattern that has been cherished by quilters for generations.

With its playful design and intricate layout, this quilt is perfect for both novice and experienced quilters.

In this tutorial, we will take you through the entire process of creating a Card Trick Quilt, from cutting the fabric to assembling the final masterpiece. Get ready to add this beautiful quilt pattern to your collection!

1. Understanding the Card Trick Quilt Design

The Card Trick Quilt gets its name from the illusion of playing cards arranged in a clever design. The pattern consists of blocks that create a three-dimensional effect, making it look like the cards are flipping. This visual interest is what makes the Card Trick Quilt a popular choice among quilters.

The quilt is typically made up of several blocks, each featuring a combination of different fabrics. The use of contrasting colors and patterns enhances the overall effect, allowing the quilt to become a focal point in any room. The finished size of the quilt can vary, but for this tutorial, we’ll aim for a lap quilt measuring approximately 48 inches by 60 inches.

Creating a Card Trick Quilt requires some familiarity with basic quilting techniques. However, even beginners can achieve beautiful results with careful attention to detail and following the instructions step by step.

2. Materials and Tools Needed

To get started on your Card Trick Quilt, gather the following materials and tools:

• Fabrics: You will need a total of 3 different fabrics:
  • 1 yard of fabric for the quilt top (your main fabric).
  • 1 yard of contrasting fabric (for the cards).
  • 1 yard of a solid fabric (for the background).
• Backing Fabric: 2 yards of fabric for the quilt backing. This can be a single piece or pieced together from multiple fabrics.
• Batting: 1 piece of batting measuring 48 inches by 60 inches.
• Tools: Rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, sewing machine, pins, iron, and thread.

Having all your materials ready before you start will help make the quilting process smoother and more enjoyable. Choose fabrics that complement each other to create a stunning finished quilt.

3. Cutting the Fabric Pieces

Accurate cutting is essential for piecing together the Card Trick Quilt. Follow these steps to prepare your fabric pieces:

1. Cutting the Main Fabric: From your main fabric, cut 8 squares measuring 6.5 inches. These will form the center of your Card Trick blocks.
2. Cutting the Contrasting Fabric: From the contrasting fabric, cut:
   • 16 squares measuring 3.5 inches (for the corners).
   • 16 squares measuring 4.5 inches (for the sides).
3. Cutting the Background Fabric: From the solid background fabric, cut:
   • 16 squares measuring 6.5 inches (to create the illusion of the cards).
   • 8 squares measuring 4.5 inches (for additional background).

Be meticulous while cutting to ensure all pieces are the correct size. Properly cut pieces will make the sewing and assembly process much easier and result in a more professional-looking quilt.

4. Sewing the Card Trick Blocks

Now that you have all your fabric pieces cut, it’s time to start assembling the Card Trick blocks. Each block consists of four main pieces: one center square, four corner squares, and four side squares. Here’s how to sew them together:

1. Assembling the Center Square: Begin by taking one of the 6.5-inch squares from your main fabric. This will be the center of your block. Place it in the center of your work surface.
2. Sewing the Corners: Take a 3.5-inch square from your contrasting fabric and place it in each corner of the center square. Pin them in place, making sure the edges align. Sew each corner piece to the center square using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
3. Adding the Side Squares: Next, take the 4.5-inch squares from your contrasting fabric and sew them to the sides of the center square. These should create a straight line along the edges of the center square. Continue pinning and sewing until all pieces are securely attached, forming one complete block.

Make sure to press your seams open after sewing to reduce bulk. This will help ensure that your blocks lay flat and maintain their shape.

5. Completing the Card Trick Quilt Top

Once you have all your Card Trick blocks sewn, it’s time to assemble them into the quilt top. Follow these steps to complete the top of your quilt:

1. Arranging the Blocks: Lay out your Card Trick blocks on a flat surface. Play around with the arrangement to find a layout that you like. The placement of the blocks can dramatically change the visual appeal of your quilt, so take your time with this step.
2. Sewing the Blocks Together: Once you are happy with the arrangement, start sewing the blocks together in rows. Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance, and press your seams open after sewing each row. This will help prevent the quilt top from becoming too bulky.
3. Joining the Rows: After sewing all the rows together, join the rows to complete the quilt top. Pin the seams carefully to ensure they match up nicely. Press the seams open again to finish off the quilt top.

At this stage, you should see your beautiful Card Trick Quilt pattern starting to take shape. Take a moment to appreciate your hard work so far!

6. Preparing the Quilt Sandwich

Before quilting, you need to prepare the quilt sandwich, which consists of the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric. Here’s how to do it:

1. Layering the Quilt: Start with your backing fabric, placing it wrong side up on a flat surface. Smooth it out to remove any wrinkles. Next, lay the batting on top of the backing fabric, ensuring it is centered.
2. Adding the Quilt Top: Place your finished quilt top right side up on top of the batting. Make sure all layers are smooth and wrinkle-free.
3. Pinning the Layers Together: Using safety pins or quilt basting spray, pin the layers together to secure them. Start from the center and work your way outwards to ensure even distribution of the layers.

Securing the quilt layers properly will help prevent shifting during the quilting process, resulting in a more polished final product.

7. Quilting the Card Trick Quilt

Now it’s time to add some quilting to your Card Trick Quilt. Quilting adds texture and holds the layers together. Here’s how to quilt your quilt:

1. Choosing a Quilting Pattern: Decide on a quilting pattern that complements your Card Trick design. You can choose simple straight lines or more intricate designs, depending on your skill level and preferences.
2. Quilting the Layers: Using your sewing machine, start quilting your layers together. Begin in the center and work your way outwards, following your chosen pattern. Make sure to keep the fabric taut but not stretched.
3. Removing the Pins: As you quilt, carefully remove the pins to avoid damaging your sewing machine needle. Continue quilting until the entire quilt top is secured to the batting and backing.

Quilting is a great way to express your creativity, so feel free to experiment with different patterns. The added texture will enhance the overall appearance of your Card Trick Quilt.

8. Finishing the Quilt

Once your quilt is quilted, it’s time to finish it up. Follow these steps to add the final touches:

1. Trimming the Edges: Use your rotary cutter to trim any excess batting and backing fabric from the edges of the quilt. Aim to leave about 1/4 inch of backing fabric beyond the quilt top for the binding.
2. Creating the Binding: To create the binding, cut strips of fabric from your chosen fabric that are 2.5 inches wide. You’ll need enough to go around the entire perimeter of the quilt. Join the strips together end to end to create one long piece of binding.
3. Attaching the Binding: Begin attaching the binding to the quilt by placing it along the edges, right sides together. Sew it in place using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Once attached, fold the binding over to the back of the quilt and hand-stitch or machine-stitch it in place to secure.

Binding not only finishes the quilt but also adds a beautiful frame to your creation. This step is essential for ensuring your quilt is durable and long-lasting.

      OTHER QUILT PATTERNS HERE      

9. Final Thoughts on Your Card Trick Quilt

Congratulations on completing your Card Trick Quilt! This quilt is not only a beautiful addition to your home but also a testament to your quilting skills. The playful design of the Card Trick pattern adds a unique touch, making it a conversation starter in any room.

As you become more comfortable with this pattern, consider experimenting with different fabric combinations, sizes, and colors. You can create larger quilts for beds or smaller ones for wall hangings. The Card Trick pattern is versatile and can be adapted to fit various styles and themes.

      PATTERN HERE      

Remember, quilting is about expressing your creativity and enjoying the process. Share your finished quilt with friends and family, and don’t forget to document your journey. Happy quilting!