I like to put 2 squares right sides together, draw a diagonal line and sew 1/4 away from the line on each side, then cut between the sewn lines on the drawn line. Then trim to the correct size. Most will need little trimming if you cut 7/8 of an inch bigger than the desired size, though one inch is easier to measure and takes little trimming. I use this method because the bias seam is sewn without handling it and the edges you are left with are on the straight grain.
No, HSTs are not hard, just a little more time consuming.