for making HST most patterns im seeing say to cut so many inches plus 7/8 instead of 1/2.....

Is there an easier way to measure and cut these?
most square rulers do the 1/2

Im guessing i need another ruler lol

Round up. Instead of cutting 2 and 7/8, cut to 3 inches and then trim down to your desired size. :)

Yup. I do the extra bit and trim. It takes a bit more time, but I'm just happier with the results.

I agree, once you press the hst they are a little out of shape and really need to be squared up. If you go a little larger you can make them the perfect size.

I bought a ruler a few years ago that only has 7/8 measurement lines. It sure has been handy. I don't remember where I bought it.

I do mine at the 7/8" I have never had a problem cutting.

the ruler with the 7/8" on it is well worth the money.
do buy one........... makes doing HST very easy.
That is my openion........

I agree. I am so klutzy about cutting that I have even made the original blocks for the HSTs 1/2" to 3/4" bigger. It may seem like a waste, but for me it saved time because I was finding myself recutting blocks because the original ones ended up too small. Other than my goofups on measuring, I think it has a lot to do with allowing for the folding back of the seam. That is one reason some people like to sew what they call "scant 1/4" seams.

I'm with Charlee. If I need 2 inch finished HST, I cut two squares at 3 inches, sew on both sides of the diagonal, split them and trim it up.

I agree with cutting it a little bit bigger and then trimming it to fit. Perfect every time. Yipee! Worth the extra fabric use.

I never used to cut larger and then trim, then I had some leftover HST that were bigger than what I needed, so I trimmed them to size. Wow, what a difference it made in sewing them together. They fit together so perfectly and the middle seam matched perfectly every time. It was well worth the extra time to trim them and I always do them that way now.

i went ahead and cut them a bit too big and trimmed them to size :D
Gave me another excuse to go to town to get 1 :D

Thanx yall

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-37915-1.htm

take a look at this tute on the board here.

oooo, thank you knlsmith :D.
this just worked PERFECTLY :D

LOL thanks knlsmith for posting this. I was going to but was checking to see what was posted before putting my method on!

I am glad it is working for people.

When doing the 7/8th, you REALLY REALLY have to be careful and sew a scant 1/4" seam. You also have to press carefully because you have no leeway on the finished size.

That is why I use the finished HST size +1" plan. I don't have to do a scant 1/4" or even a perfect seam because I will trim the HST at the end. A little more work but quicker and more accurate for me in the long run.

I havent had a chance to use it, unfortunately I didn't see when i did my avatar quilt (120 HST) It would have been a REAL time saver!

Your avatar is really beautiful! Love what you did with it.