Any baby falls down multiple times before being able to stand and walk. Same with this. I've been quilting for 15+yrs and sewing for atleast 45yrs. I still rip and redo!! Just one of those things. I'm still learning too. The one thing that you'll realize once you've been into this for a while is no one knows everything, because there is sooooo much from past and present changing the ways to do something. That's why this type of board is invaluable!!!
I've just recently found a picture of the 1st quilt I did and (boy, I wish the picture came out good enough to post) I thought what was I thinking!!!! OMG!!
If you're having problems with your HST's then instead of cutting them 7/8" bigger, cut them an 1" or 1 1/4" instead and then shape them up afterwards. A lot of individuals do it this way. Or here's a site that you can use to do multiples that might assist you also.
http://www.blockcentral.com/a-halfsq...glepaper.shtml
Also, Rhonda has a way of doing HST's for her minitures that could be adjusted for any size. Check out her tutes!!!