Quick math question
 

I'm planning on making something using both squares and half-square triangle units. If the squares I'm cutting are 5 1/2 inches square, then to make the half-square triangle units I want the squares for that to be 5 7/8, draw a line up the middle, sew 1/4inch next to the line then cut on the line; correct?

Here's a chart to help you! Good luck!

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Isn't kitsie wonderful. I would cut it at 6inches just incase and trim down.

I would, too.

I usually don't need to trim much - maybe 1/16 of an inch at the most.

When I use the plus 7/8 instead of plus 1 inch - my HST units almost always end up skimpy.

I think it's because when I cut around a template, there is a tiny bit of fabric added - when cutting squares in half - that extra isn't there.

Is this what you want to do?

http://round22.blogspot.ca/2012/07/d...ith-twist.html

That looks neat, I'll have to keep that in mind for the future. As the project I'm currently working on will be my first quilt, I'm planning on a small lap quilt with mostly squares of brown and black, with a few half square triangle units of pink and black for a pop of color.

I like that pattern. Looks nice and complicated, but relatively simple to make. One more block to add to my to-do list!

Thank you, Kitsie, I printed it this time!!

Joan -- I always add a full 1/2" instead of the 3/8" when I cut squares for HST. That way I can trim down the blocks, make sure the lines are perfectly in the points and if either my cutting or sewing is a bit off I have the extra.

I agree...I add the inch to whatever I want the finished size to be and then trim. Makes for a much better block - at least for me. Not sure if it's my cutting or my sewing that is apparently not too accurate so I err on the side of caution. I can afford to give up an eighth of an inch of fabric.