Right now on Quilters TV they are showing El Burns method of half squares. Its the video of the Bears Paw Wallhanging.
Be sure and watch it and you will never do half squares the old way again.

Thanks for that! Just watched it, and I think you're right. Looks way simpler than the way I do it. (Don't miss the flan recipe at the end, either - looks yummy :D )

Looks like you missed one here.

Notice that to get the size you want just add or subtract 2 inchs.
2 1/2 are a six in sq. 3 1/2 is an 8 in. 4 1/2 is a 10in.