For future ideas -- I use the Nifty Notions HST ruler. You cut a strip then just flip flop the ruler making only 1 cut as you go. I would look for you tube videos. It saves on fabric because there is very little waste. It was designed by Kaye England.

There are several methods for making HSTs. Quilt in a Day has a Triangle Square Up ruler that I like, because you square the HSTs after you cut but before you press open, so you only have to trim 2 sides. June Tailor also has a Shape Cut type tool for marking, cutting and trimming HSTs. Then there are Thangles or Triangulations or a product that is on roll, where you cut and layer fabric strips, then sew using marked paper strips. The finished HSTs are usually very nice, there's no trimming, but you have to tear the paper away.

I usually cut the square bigger than the pattern says, just in case my seams aren't exact. For me it is easier to cut the finished block down to size than to come up short and start over.

Okay, thanks everyone. You have all been really helpful!!

Dina

When I first started quilting, I was told to add 7/8" to the square, draw a diagonal line, then sew 1/4" on either side. However, depending on the position of the moon and the stars (just kidding). Now I add 1" to the finished size, so if you are making a 6 1/2" HST, I would cut 7" square, sew on either side of a drawn line across, cut, then I would trip to 6 1/2", it's an extra step, however, the accuracy of my piecing has improved with this method. The same is true of my blocks, I make sure I square them up to the unfinished size. I hope this helps and I hope I haven't confused you.

Jan, it is great to see you back on the board!! Hope you are doing well!!

To: love to sew --- I found this info online today but don't remember where from. I only saved the information. This will make four 1/2 square triangles from each two pieces sewn together. Hope this helps...

If you know whatsize your HST should be then use this to find what size the beginning squareneeds to be: <o:p></o:p>

If you want them to be exact with no trimming, cut 6 7/8 but your seams will have to be perfectly sewn, otherwise cut 7 inch squares, sew and trim to 6 1/2 inches.