I just have to be different and I'm always looking for ways to simplify, although my efforts sometimes hinder rather than help. Anyway...Just thought I'd share it with you.

I took a 12 inch square,
(oops...I better clarify... I used 2 12" squares to get 8 hst blocks.)
drew diagonal lines going both ways,
stitched on both sides of both diagonal lines,
cut both stitching lines and
cut straight down vertically
cut straight across horizontally
created 8 hst squares that are 5 3/4". I will square them to probably 5 1/2

A 10" square made 4 3/4" (barely) squares

Ok...so here's the math question. If I want 8 (X) size squares, what size square would I start with? Seems like there should be a formula for this, but I'm mathmatically challenged!!

awsome example, what program did you use to make them?

I used Powerpoint and drew the shapes and lines, then saved each one as a picture.

I've done this before too. Hope this helps!

Ok, I'm not sure what size HST you are wanting to finish with. If you need 8 (2inch) finished HST, you would want the starting squares to be 5 3/4" x 5 3/4". So, in other words, start with 7/8" larger than the finished HST should be when making only 2.

8 x 3 inch finished = 7 3/4 x 7 3/4 starting squares
8 x 4 inch finished = 9 3/4 x 9 3/4 starting squares
8 x 5 inch finished = 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 starting squares
8 x 6 inch finished = 13 3/4 x 13 3/4 starting squares

PM me if I can make it more clear. :)

Try this: Finished size x 2 + 1.5

For example, for 1.5 finished block it would be 1.5 x 2 = 3 then 3 + 1.5 = 4.5" cut square.

For a 3" finished block, 3 x 2 + 1.5 = 6 + 1.5 = 7.5 cut square

Boy, my bookmark list is sure getting long. I'll have to try this one. I like anything that produces lots of squares with a minimum of sewing on the bias cut edge.

Here's a link on how to do a grid of HSTs http://www.patchwork-and-quilting.co...triangles.html There are lots of other tips and short cuts on this site too, including QSTs. :wink: :D

Definitely a site I'll have to check out when I'm more awake. That's really cool how to sew all those blocks in one run.

glad there ae math geniuses on here!!

Thanks for the link on the grid hst method. I'll have to try it too!