Is there anyway to make cutting easier when it call for blocks to be cut plus 7/8"? I have been avoiding those patterns because it seems so hard for me to cut exactly 7/8". Any suggestions? Thanks!

cut 4" and then square up the block

Would that be for a 3 7/8" block?

You round up to next even number for a 3 7/8" block cut a 4"
If it calls for 5 7/8" cut a 6 inch...ect...
This also give you a little "playing" room and you can sew a full 1/4" seam instead of a "scant" 1/4" seam

thanks! I knew there must be an easier way.

no problem... that's what I learned from the board here :D

WOW.. I just Learned something new.. Never thought to do that.. Huh, you just made my life ALOT easier.. thanks..

Just learned this myself with my last "sailboat" quilt (lots of HSTs). Yes, it's an extra step, but the whole quilt went together like a dream. My most technically-correct quilt ever. HOWEVER it was my first attempt at true FMQ and that part didn't go so well at all. But, as of last night, it's done. Wrapped.

This is how I do it too. It's much simpler to cut larger then trim down.

I took a class at the local quilt store where they taught both ways. Even with getting a perfect 1/4" seam allowance, I still had trouble getting a perfect half-square triangle block when I did the 7/8". But when I rounded up to the next inch (or half inch) and square up after wards, I had perfect blocks. The amount of wasted fabric is very small. And the extra time is well worth it especially since it's less stressful. And if you square up the small units as you piece along, the bigger block will go together and lay flat better.

Happy quilting.