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this is one of the easiest methods to figure out.... remember that on your double layer square, you will be drawing a big 'X' so you can cut accurately when done (you don't really need to do this... it's just nice to see one or two done, cut, pressed seams set, open, and press open to measure and check our method... once you do one or two.... just cut your big squares and go.... you are sewing around the edge with your 1/4" foot so there is no need to mark the 'X'..... okay.... but draw one right now... a square with the 'X' in it..... see the center where the cross is? that is one of the CORNERS of your eventual HST.... see it? from corner (at seam) to center of square is one SIDE of your HST.... so your cross must be twice the length of your needed HST.... 2.5" HST? you much have 5" (ON THE DIAGONAL!!!, just measure the diagonal line on one of your big rulers... then follow to the edge to see the size of the squrare) (2 'X') and then the seam for the 5" (5.5") AND if you're like me.... i trim all HSTs before sewing them to anything so i need another seam for trimming... so 6"...
now I sew the 1/4"... down to 5.5"...
cut apart from corner to corner, and i still have a bit to trim so they will be perfect size and flat... press before trimming, this is a job for the TV at night, good light, bread board to work on, little board to cut on and rotate on, rotary cutter and good (small, in this case) square-up ruler.... it takes a bit of time but you will love the result if you have never done this before...