Ok, so I cut my two strips 2 1/2" wide. I sew together 1/4" seam. According the the tut, I am supposed to get a new strip that is 4 1/4". It ain't happing!! I get 4 1/2"!! HELP!!

I would get 4 1/2 too. I am waiting for answers on this one

Doing the math you're getting what you should. Could the pattern have an error in it???
2.5 X 2= 5
Take off the quarter inch seams = 1/2 inch, leaving you with 4 1/2 inches.

4 1/2 is correct. The pattern or video is incorrect. If 2 1/2 times 2 = 5, minus 1/2 for the 2 quarter inches leaves a 4 1/2 inch wide piece.

It's the Missouri Star tube video, right? It is incorrect. You are right.

I watched that Missouri tut 10 times. Of course the DH was helping. LOL Thank you Thank you. So the 4 1/2 strips and the solid is 4 1/2"..

4½" is the correct size. Whenever I watch the Missouri Star Tutorial, I feel she hurries herself and says 4-1/4" instead of the 4-½" strip. I hope you haven't cut too many of them, yet. I will say that the Missouri Star Tute taught me how to use a regular ruler instead of buying a special ruler to cut the triangle squares. I have made over 40 tops using those squares trying to get the best use of my scraps.

Only cut 1 strip of each. So...now..with rotary cutter held aloft and a determined look in my eye..I am off to the sewing room. Thanks for all the help. At least I haven't gone over the edge..yet! LOL