Hi, I am trying this pattern to make for my best friend who is dealing with some health issues right now. I do have have a lot of experience at all, but triangles and points seem hard to me. What I did was cut all 4-1/2 inch squares and then made some triangles with some of them. My problem I think is because Icut them all the same - the ones that are split for triabgles and the ones without. Was I supposed to cut different sizes?

What can I never follow a pettern and make life easier, NO I have to make things evenmore challenging for myself than they already are!
TIA for the help. I will post a pic if that would be helpful.

see if this will help. Except that you already cut the triangles...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQq-5p8RCS8

Yes, the half square triangles are cut a different size than the solid center squares.
What you probably have right now are smaller half square triangles than solid squares, correct?
Then, everything is going according to plan.
I haven't watched the demonstration tape, but when you sewed the 4.5" squares into half square triangles, you lost about 7/8" .... I would measure the size of the triangle squares you have currently and cut my solid squares to that size ... which should be around 3 and 3/4" ... if my math is correct.

Whatever size you want for the half triangles add 7/8" to your measurements or you can just add 1" and square it to desired size.

If you've already committed too many. you can make the half square triangles, then cut the other blocks to fit. Quilting is all about adapting to make things work.

The Friendship star kits we make on the triangulations papers has this formula:
The half square triangle has a finished size of: x" (three inches in my case)
which allows you to know that the cut size of your plain squares has to be half an inch bigger.

I was doing the math again on your stated size: 4 1/2" minus the 7/8" that is what happens when you do your sewing on both sides of the corner to corner line is: 3 and 5/8" ... which is 1/8 of an inch smaller than 3 and 3/4" ... so, you shouldn't have to re-sew your half square triangles, and I would just sew my solid squares where I want them, then trim to the same size as my 1/2 square triangle squares.
Hope this helps.

Thanks everyone for your help. I think I will measure what the triangle came out to and cut the size going forward..... Fortunately I did not cut everything, just enought for 1-2 blocks and I can just trim the solids to fit as mentioned above.

When I cut my triangles I halved my squares and then sewed the corresponding half to it rather than drawing and sewing on each side of the line.... does this make a difference in size or quality or is it just more of a timesaver?

I really appreciate everyones help, I know some of the ?'s I ask seem quirky but I am just a newbie and one that really did not do much sewing before either, but so far I love this!

Sounds identical to me a couple of years ago. I still feel newbie, but like you ...I learn from my mistakes. Just cut down your center squares to match your HST size and move right on down the road. These little bumps in the road are called "design challenges"... Enjoy and have fun, thats the most important part!!

Oh and drawing the lines and sewing cutting them apart is just lots easier for me...I'm not messing with bias edges, and as an added bonus, I get 2 HST every time.. :lol:

An easy way for me is: 7/8 - 1" larger than the finished size, dark fabric, lighter fabric on top. Draw diagonal line, then draw a line 1/4" from the first line you drew, this is your sewing line, then cut on the first line you drew. Now you have 2 half square triangles, now square them up to size. Hope this helps.