wildyard

Well, at least you know that you are not alone! There are so many of us in that boat with you we are going to have to trade it in for a cruise ship. LOL
A lot of us also have health issues that mess with our minds and make the most simple calculations become magic tricks that we don't have the directions to.
I just see some of the results as creative opportunities, and other results as pieces to add to my orphans box so that they will become part of a togetherness quilt in the future.
My rules for quilting are these: be kind to yourself, have fun, share the joy.

Quiltngolfer

When I make half square triangles, I always make them larger and trim down. Which means I add an inch or a little more to the squares. It takes a little longer, but my pieces turn out the right size. Less frustration. I have been sewing for many years too. It seems that some days are just not meant to be sewing days. Everything turns out wrong.

ManiacQuilter2

I am in the same boat with you. Try to chose patterns that don't have matching seams like squares. I have painter's tape on my Bernina so I can get a more accurate seam. You have to try different techniques to see what works best for you. Hang in there.

qwkslver

Don't give up. I too was having problems. I convinced myself everything I did was wrong. I watched a few You Tube videos, realized I had been doing this stuff for years, and got back to it. Sometimes you just need a refresher. Watch someone else do it, even if you know how, it somehow simplifies things in your own mind and gives you the confidence to go on. Hang in there. I know you know what you are doing.

Lynette-Merlin

I usually make my half square triangle a little bigger and then trim them to size using a Bloc-loc ruler. It usually works quite well.

Teacup

You may want to think about your lighting where you do your cutting and at your machine. And the ruler you are using. Is it easy to see the exact cutting line? Or is it hard to line up? Maybe you need to see if there's a ruler that has very clear lines that is easy to see and line up. Or one that grips well on the fabric without slipping and doesn't require as much pressure from you to hold it down. Sometimes our eyesight shifts, making it harder to see ruler lines and keep cuts consistent.

Onebyone

Does it make a difference if the squares are not 1"? It is frustrating to think well I've messed up again so don't think it. Having a perfect finished product is hit and miss with me. Honestly no one really cares but me if it isn't perfect. I wonder to myself how can I mess up sewing two pieces of fabric together. I can and do.

huskyquilter

If you want 1.5" unfinished squares you would cut 2 3/8" squares to make the hsts. The diagonal 1/4" seams take a bigger bite out of the size. Generally, if I wanted 1.5" unfinished hsts, I would start with squares at 2 3/4", make my hsts, then square up and trim down to size. I know it's a little more waste, but it's worth it when they mostly turn out okay. Here's a link to a chart and tutorial that might help you with those hsts. http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/20...maths-formula/

Yooper32

What I am wondering is, why are you torturing yourself trying to make such tiny HST's? Being quite senior, myself, my eyes leave a lot to be desired these days and my fingers are even worse. I like and refuse to work with anything smaller that a 2" square. Just sayin'.

tessagin

I have this chart printed and hanging near my cutting table!