Hi everyone. I am trying to make a 12" block out of 8 hst squares . What size square do I cut so when I cut it diagonally to make the hst, and then sew the 2 (different color) hst together the end result will be a 1.5" square? I hope that makes sense.
The squares should measure 1.5" total to make a 12" block.

Thank you

2 3/8" unless you want to make it a bit bigger so you can square it up to the right size. Then I would start with 2 1/2" squares.

A question - If you are wanting to end up with a 12" (finished) square, you are going to need more than 8 HST, aren't you? Don't you need 64 units at 1.5"?

1.5 + 1.5 = 3"
3" + 3" + 3" + 3" = 12" (1 row = 8 hst units as does 1 column - 8 hst units)
8 x 8 = 64

Is this what you mean?

For the first picture, you'll want to cut your squares 7". Trim each HST down to 6.5" before assembling into the final 12.5" unfinished block.

For the second picture, you would cut your squares at 5" and trim down to 4.5" before assembling.

For the third picture, you would cut your squares at 4" and trim down to 3.5" before assembling.

Unless you're making some kind of micro-mini quilt for a contest--I don't know why anyone would torture themselves making 64 itty bitty HST's just to make a 12" block.

If each half square triangle is only 1.5 inches, it will take 64 of them sewn together to make a 12 inch square block. I don't see how you can make it with only 8 of them at 1.5 inches. What am I not understanding?

I meant 8 across and 8 down...sorry for the confusion

Unless you're making some kind of micro-mini quilt for a contest--I don't know why anyone would torture themselves making 64 itty bitty HST's just to make a 12" block.


It's a carpenter's wheel pattern that I'm trying to shrink down

Then I agree with Quilts with convicts.

I would probably make them a little bigger and then cut them to size. That way they are all exactly the correct size and your blocks should all be also.

Thanks everyone!

make them larger and cut down. don't punish yourself trying to cut exact. Mine never end up the right size.

Wow ur all sooo smart! I kept saying huh? Math skills stink! Lmao! Thank goodness for friends who know!!!