Use El Burns methods that use oversize then cut to size. You cant go wrong that way.
Two and a half inch half square triangles have so many design uses that they are a great way to learn.
Take 2 fabrics, one light one dark. Cut into 6 in squares and put them togather right sides facing.
Draw an X corner to corner then sew 1/4 inch on each side of line.
Cut in half at the 3 in measure on both sides of square +. Then cut on drawn lines. You will have 8 over size half sqs that you trim to 2 1/2 inch squares.
Put them togather however you want to make an 8 1/2 square. 8 inch
finished in quilt.
Be sure and watch lots of videos on http://www.quilterstv.com

It would be great if you posted pictures of what patterns you suggest so us newbies and me daft newbie,lol would know what your talking about :wink:
thank you for taking the time to do so

This is a basic star block using half square triangles. There are so many different ways to use them. Just play with them till you like the design.

Go into the Pictures menu and click on WIP I am working on now. It is another way to use half square triangles.
You can also combine squares with HQT for even more patterns.

Hello Rose Marie,

Thanks for the picture and the link. I haven't had a chance to look at it; I hope the method you speak of is there as well b/c I'm not familiar with it or any other for that matter at this point in time. :)

Is there a place where I can look up the acronyms? Not familiar with them yet either.

There are lots of El Burns videos on quilterstv. She also has some videos of her methods at her web site, Quilt In A Day.
She has special rulers for doing flying geese that are a must once you are more knowledgeable.
So many experts push their products and rulers that it can get very expensive. I found that the squares for HST is the best way and no special products or rulers involved.
If you need a different size HST you just add 2 in for each size. 6 inch makes 2 1/2 inch, 8 inch squares make 3 1/2 inch HST, 10 inch makes 4 1/2 ect.
Be sure and watch Billie Lauder videos too. She has some quicky methods.

Hi,

Thanks again.

What's HQT, WIP and HST?

Is there a place that explains all these?

Thanks

half square triangles, work in progress, hqt is a mistake for HST.
No I dont know where there is an explaination, you just pick them up after awhile on the board.