Originally Posted by Lisa_wanna_b_quilter
How are you making your HST's? I find it easiest to cut two squares 1 inch larger than the finished size I want. Draw a diagonal line on on square. Sew 1/4 inch on each side of the line, cut apart and square up.
Here is a link that explains it well. The instructions say 7/8 inch larger but I do 1 inch. I refuse to measure 1/8!
http://quilting.about.com/od/quickpi...squaretria.htm
This is exactly how I teach beginners to make half-square triangles. Adding the full inch give a little fudge room and it's very easy to square up to the correct size. I also do this for quarter-square triangles - instead of adding 1-1/4 inches to the finished size, I add 1-1/2 inches and then square up to the correct size. Makes my life a lot more enjoyable. I once tried things out with adding the 7/8 inch - unless your sewing is absolutely perfect, they will not come out correctly - and I sure do not sew absolutely perfect!!! Ever!!!
Sandy in Mooresville, NC