Need help with HST....
 

If I need a finished square measuring 2"....how big to cut the block for a HST with two fabrics...
I know you can help me....so thanks ahead of time....

I would round up to the next inch instead of fussing with 7/8" but here's a link to a handy chart.

http://blog.caronmosey.com/2011/06/s...triangles.html

3 inches. After sewing them, you may need to trim off a smidgen to neaten them up.

Technically, 2-7/8 inches. Every time I add only 7/8 inch, I end up with skimpy units.

trimming them down to the correct size after cutting and pressing takes more time, but the results are so much closer to perfect

Thank you for the chart, that is really handy, you are all so helpful.

I too round up so that the square won't be skimpy. Thanks to Auntpiggylpn for the chart address.

Try the easy angle ruler. Need a 2 1/2" hst, you use 2 1/2" strips. The ruler has the cut offs already and they turn out fine - or you could use another measurement, say 2 3/4 - cut your strips this size, use the 2 3/4 mark and then trim. I, personally love triangulations software also, but you can find freebies for the normal sizes - this involves sewing on doodle pads and tearing off when finished - right on the money and no trimming - put two fabrics together face to face and after sewing and cutting, nothing else needs to be done - they are perfect.

2 7/8 is the accurate measurement but you have to use the scant 1/4". Seam for the square to come out accurate. I find it best to do some practice HST n various methods to get cutting and sewing accurate.

Keep it simple. Just add an inch to the finished size. Cut a 3" square, mark you diagonal line, sew, starch, press and then trim. Yes, trimming takes a little more time but as said previously, they come out as close to perfect as I will ever achieve.

Here, here! This is exactly right...I normally hate to take the time to trim blocks up, especially when there are a lot of them, but with HSTs it makes all the difference in the world.

Add 1 inch to the finished size so 3" square for you. I always trim down and it does make a difference in matching points. Elinore Burns has a ruler to square half square triangles. You make it like before with the diagonal mark, sew 1/4" either side, cut on the line etc. but instead of pressing it open you use the folded material and place the mark on the ruler along the stitching line for the size you want and then trim the two raw edges, then press open. Instead of 4 sides to cut you only have two. I've used that and a regular square ruler and did the four side cut. Either way is fine for me and works perfectly. I just didn't know if some of you knew about the Elinore Burns Quilt in a Day ruler for half square triangles.

Thanks everyone...guess if I had the right ruler to square them up...maybe I could do them...so off to find the ruler...I had just about decided to use a solid block and forget the HST's...but you have gave me HOPE!!
Thanks again...
Shirley