9 1/2" (unfinished), 9" (finished)

QAF's April block is Card Trick and we are calling for BRIGHT Dots or Circles for these great blocks. You can see that they are also based on the basic 3 x 3 block grid, or the 9 patch grid. There are 3 different pieced components to this block, just as last month's block did. To simplify this block for the BOM, I am only calling for 2 different bright fabrics, and one white on white (WOW). Choose two bright, clear fabrics that go well together. One of the quilt setting suggestions I give below shows a quilt that looks very bright and scrappy, something like you might get if you are the WINNER of all the blocks!!The 3 different components are the Half Square Triangle (HST), a Quarter Square Triangle (QST), and another pieced patch that is a combination of the two. It looks complicated, but is really very easy to construct. We will take it step by step. You may make two blocks in each color combination for the block drawing.

Cut for each block:

Bright #1:

(2) 4" squares
(2) 4 1/4" squares

Bright #2:

(2) 4" squares
(2) 4 1/4" squares

White on White:

(2) 4" squares
(2) 4 1/4" squares

To Assemble Block:

First, make the (4) HST. Mark diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of (2) of the 4" WOW squares. Place them RST with one Bright #1 and one Bright #2. Stitch 1/4" on each side of the diagonal lines. Cut apart on the drawn lines. Press triangles with the seam to the bright. Square them up to 3 1/2", lining up the diagonal line of the ruler on the seam line.

Next, make the center QST. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner IN BOTH DIRECTIONS on the back of one of the 4 1/4" Bright #1 squares. Place it RST with one of the 4 1/4" Bright #2 squares. Stitch 1/4" on each side of ONE of the diagonal lines. So far, just about like making a HST, but the cutting apart is a bit different. FIRST cut apart on the UNSTITCHED diagonal line, THEN cut these pieces apart on the drawn line. You will have 4 patches containing two triangles. Press the seams on these to the darker of the two fabrics. Looking at the fabric orientation in the picture above, pick up two of these triangle patches and sew them together, matching dark to light. Square this patch to 3 1/2". (You will have two of the triangle patches left over).

Now for the combination patches. First, cut the remaining two Bright #1 and #2 4" squares in half diagonally. Set them aside. Next, take the (2) WOW 4 1/4" squares, mark the backs diagonally in both directions. Match each up with the remaining two Bright 4 1/4" squares, RST. Stitch on each side of ONE of the diagonal lines. Cut apart on the UNSEWN diagonal line, then on the remaining drawn lines. Press the patches to the dark. You will have 2 each of these triangle patches left over. Use them for a second block if you wish.

Now, following the picture above, lay out all the pieces, then stitch these little triangle patches to the appropriate large triangle. Sew with the larger triangle on the bottom, lining up the little dog ears evenly on each end of the seam. Stitch, then press to the larger triangle. Square this piece up to 3 1/2".

Then, stitch all of the patches together in rows, then sew the rows together. It is a good idea to press your seams in alternate directions, so that your final seams will nestle nicely. Finally, square up your block to 9 1/2" and you are done!

These blocks will make such a lovely bright quilt.

Here are a few quilt ideas. The first one is straight set and about 50" x 60", and using the same fabrics in each block.

 

This quilt shows what your quilt could look like if you are the winner of the blocks!

This final quilt is set on point, see how different the blocks look?