Block of the Month -- January, 2008
“Card Trick”

Diagram: Fabric: Cutting Directions: Background Black and white print, predominately white (2) 3 7/8" squares (1) 4¼" square, cut in half diagonally twice Black triangles Black and white print, predominately black (2) 3 7/8" squares (1) 4¼" square, cut in half diagonally twice Red triangles Red tone-on-tone (2) 3 7/8" squares (1) 4¼" square, cut in half diagonally twice

1. To make corner units: On each background square, draw a diagonal line between opposite corners; mark a line ¼" away on each side of first line. Pair a background and a red square, right sides together; sew just inside the outer diagonal lines. Cut along the center diagonal line to yield two half-square triangle units. Press seam toward background fabric to eliminate bulk when units are joined. Repeat with a background square and a black square (4 half-square triangle units total).
2. To make center unit, pair a black small triangle and a red small triangle; seam together on short side and press toward the black triangle. Make a second identical unit; join the units together along their long sides.
3. To make side units, pair remaining small background triangles with remaining small black and red triangles. Seam each pair together on short sides, making sure that the background triangle is always on the left side of the finished unit. Press seams toward black triangles. Pair each red-triangle unit with a large black triangle and seam along the long side. Repeat with remaining large triangles and triangle units.
4. Each unit should measure 3½" square; trim to size if necessary before assembling units according to above diagram.

• Use 100% cotton fabrics for the block. Wash fabrics before cutting. Do not use fabrics that bleed or run!
• Arrange the patches on a piece of felt, flannel or batting before sewing to aid in assembly.
• Stitch all seams ¼". Please try to be accurate!
• Unless otherwise specified, press seams toward the dark fabric if possible, taking care not to stretch any bias edges.

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