I need to make a BUNCH of HST and I'm planning on making them the quick way where you make a square, sew the seams and cut in the middle.

Ok, my problem is ...for a 3 & 1/2" square, how big should I cut ithe fabric? 3 & 7/8?

My brian isn't functioning today, too much sewing yesterday. :lol:

Thanks!!

Add 7/8 for the seam allowance....

Below is a link to help explain the different speed piecing techniques.
The hst is also called right triangles.

http://www.quilt.com/HowTo/SpeedPiecingDirections.html

Well after many disappointing tries at HST, I have found the most successful way, for me , is to cut the squares bigger. On a quilt I am making now, using squares that are 3 1/2" in a ninepatch, I am cutting 4" squares for the HST, because my eyes get strained looking for the 7/8 mark and I see that measurement as pretty irrelevent--I just go to the next most easy recognized measurement and don't care too much about losing an eighth of an inch of fabric. I draw a diagonal line down the middle of the two four inch squares that are placed right sides together, stitch a scant 1/4 on each side of the line, cut apart, press open and then square it down to 3 1/2" using the diagonal line on my 6 1/2" ruler to square it up.

I do it the same way as Maryann. It gives me more wiggle room.

Thanks everyone! I hate it when my brain isn't in gear. :lol:

Got them done now :D :D

Thanks for the website kapatt, I bookmarked it too.

You're welcome. That website has helped me out many different times. :)

Thanks for the web site! (I bookmarked it too as I can never remember what size to make the square... :oops: :oops: )

Thanks for the website kapat. That saves alot of time.