Originally Posted by grammy Dwynn

How to explain, you divide the 'finish' size by 2, is the base explanation. Let's say the patterns says to cut a 4.5" square, the 'finished' square is 4" ~ 4" divided by 2 = 2" finished. The easiest way that I help my friend understand the cutting part, is that you need to set aside the seam allowances. example ~ 3.5" set aside .5", divide 3"=1.5", then add back seam allowance, .5", so the 50% cut would be 2" ; a 2.5"x4.5" rectangle would be cut 1.5"x2.5". I hope that explains it so it is understandable. Once I got it, it was the light-bulb moment.