Here's another example of cut down: http://www.studio180design.net/videos/?id=9

I, too, cut larger. It's normally 7/8" larger than your desired finished size. I cut squares 1" larger and trim. Painful, yes, but my hst's are then accurate and it's not that much waste, in my opinion.

Take a look at Bonnie Hunter's tutorial using the Easy Angle ruler for HSTs. http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2012/...et-part-2.html

I used to use one but now use the wonder cut ruler and love it better. Perfect HST most of the time.

I have 2 and love them. They don't have a slit down the middle, only a line. I use them all the time.
Mine have "A Quilter's Wand" written on them. I think they where like $2 at my LQS.
Country1

Missouri Star had a tute recently where you make one big block (they give sizes) placing right sides together then stitch all around the outside. Cut in 4ths on the diagonal-like an X. Wouldn't that give you hst's