Originally Posted by lynntelson
Needed 2 1/2 " finished square prior to sewing block pieces together.
The term "finished" refers to the size of the HST after it is sewn into the quilt. The term "unfinished" refers to the size of the HST (or other block) before sewing into the quilt. It sounds like you are looking for a 2 1/2" unfinished HST which will finish at 2" after sewn into your quilt. If so, you will need to start with 2 7/8" squares to make the HST.
The terms can be a bit confusing since when you finish making your block, it comes out to an "unfinished" size until you put it in a quilt which takes the 1/4" seam allowance off on all four sides.
Hope this helps.