There was, at one time, someone who taught to make HST, cut strips on the bias,sew together, then with a template square cut out the then created squares. That way the edges were straight of grain. Seemed like more work and waste to me.....I either cut squares,sew down middle or on both sides of drawn line....etc.....or if I'm doing a gazzilion I use the triangle on a roll.....faster for me....