another important point is that your iron is your good friend. Press well (without stretching) the hst before you trim down to size!

I think I'm missing something. Do you still get 2 hst's.


How do you sew your HSTs? I generally cut my squares 1" larger than the finished HST size. Then I draw a sewing line 1/4" from the center in each direction. I sew on those lines and then cut the HST apart down the center. Press open and trim to the correct size. It IS a little bit more work but my HSTs don't lose points.[/quote]

For every new project I check my seam allowance first. I hate doing it but
if I don't it will come and bite me. Take 3 strips of fabric 5" x 1.5", sew them
side by side, press and measure the middle strip. It should be 1". If not,
adjust your needle slightly to the left or to the right.

And for HST's I cut 1" bigger like Madquilter explained. I'm making lots of
HST's right now and sewing 8 at a time. Requires a bit of trimming but
comes out right.

You need to go back to your original measurements. It appears they are not correct - either in cutting or sewing.
It is always a good idea to measure after evert sean si uf tiy are giubg "off" yu can correct it at that point and not after you have made hundres of them.

It is all in the accuracy of cutting and seams. I know because I am doing this now.

Can/will you show us a photo/scan of the back of the block.

We can get many clues from that.

It seems like I remember a tutorial on this with pictures to explain. Try a search for it. I have to have a picture to understand something I am so visual!

Honestly, I just don't draw the line down the center of the lighter fabric. I'd rather draw my sewing lines. It seems to work better for me because I can eyeball the cut line. And yes, I do get 2 HSTs.

I have done them by cutting the squares the recommended 7/8" larger than the finished block size but found that it left me with NO leeway in sewing, pressing or cutting. I had to be soooo careful. When I overcut the block size to 1" minimum, I don't have to be so darn perfect.

Here is another method - I have not tried it but Rhonda swears by it:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-46365-1.htm

Here is one method where you get 4 at a whack BUT I don't use it because of where the bias (stretchy) edges end:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-74134-1.htm

Lovely, I always had a hard time with this square. I learned that the middle square is 3" but to make the two half squares you need to make them 3 and a half. You need to use a quarter inch marker so you sew two lines. Then cut down the center. Now when you press you should have a quarter inch of material to see your diamond when you sew. It does make a difference when you sew that you sew a quarter inch and be your careful when you iron. I made all these mistakes. I hope this helps Karen Lynn from Freedom Ohio

I tried this and it worked! Thanks to all for the advice. I will post my project when finished!