El Burns uses large squares to make 8 HST at a time and not on the bias.
By drawing an x and sewing on both sides of the lines 1/4 in, then cutting the sq in half both ways then on the lines you get 8. 6 in sqs make 2 1/2 in. 8 in sqs make 3 1/2 in and 10 in makes 4 1/2 in.