Hi I like to speed piece my hsq's. If I need 3.5" I cut my fabric 4.5" so if I need 2 my fabric would be 4.5" by 9". When I mark my pieces I use a half inch ruler. Place the center line corner to corner and only mark the 1/4 inch sewing lines. then cut down the center to separate them. then I will square them to the size I need. Wastes a little bit of fabric but......they're the right size when finished. I put all my tiny scraps in a bag that I'm saving for stuffing so even that fabric is not truly wasted.