If I wanted to make a Carpenter's Star quilt block --Lap size; about 45" square. What size would I cut my blocks and half -square triangles? Thank you Elaine

I don't know exactly, but I'm about to start one that will finish 65 inches and the pattern calls for cutting the squares at 6 3/8. I also have a pattern for one that finishes 70 inches and you cut the squares at 6 7/8. So, maybe if you took a half inch off for each 5 inches smaller you want the quilt, you will have it. Let's see: So the way I figure it, you need to cut them at 4 3/8. Good luck!
Doug

If your Carpenter's Star block is 8 squares X 8
I was looking at this pattern
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-38408-1.htm

If you cut the solid blocks 5 1/2" (finishing at 5")

Your half square triangle blocks would be 6 3/8" if you draw a line on the back and sew on either side of it and cut them out.

your block will be 40" X 40"
you could add a 2 1/2" border and it would end up the right size. The binding could add a tad bit more to the finished size.

thanks for that

That sounds good, Amma. Thank you