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I use the graph method to make my HSTs...if i want a finished block to be 3" (WITH the two triangles)...it needs .5" for seams, so then i draw a 4.0" graph, connect all corners diagonally and then sew on both sides of the diagonal lines (these are guidelines for sewing, you do not sew ON them..you cut ON them later)...after sewing all the diagonals, cut on both vertical and horizontal graph lines and on the diagonals ... each triangle will be opened up into an already finished HST... after pressing, i trim them to the perfect 3" size.... if you need a QST, then you add .5 for both seams...so this would be a 4.5 graph, they would be 4 after the first seams and cutting, and now are large enough to match 2 tog to make the Hourglass... when all 4 pcs are together, match your square up ruler to the center point and trim to the 3.5 needed to have the right size and one final seam allowance... I add .5" when they call for 3.8" and 1" when they call for 7/8"...it is simply easier to see on the ruler, wastes so little as to be negligible and will have just a tiny bit to trim to the perfect, flat size.