Hst problem
 

I just started the quilt Daisy Star (Judy Ladquidara - patchwork times) and have cut out the first two fabrics. I cut 4" squares, as instructed, so that I could make HST. While reading over the instructions, I saw that the 4" squares were to be used to make HST that were to be trimmed to 3 1/2". I did some quick double checking and realized that 4" squares were not large enough. Now I need some advice. I do not have enough fabric to cut more squares and besides that, I hate to waste fabric, so should I use a slightly smaller than 1/4" seam or sew a 1/4 " seam and adjust everything else accordingly? I really need help! Thanks in advance.

Get in touch with the designer and she what she suggests. http://www.patchworktimes.com/patterns/

What " finished" size are you trying for?

Two four inch squares should - theoretically - make up into two 3-5/8 inch squares. Many of us have found life easier when we trim a tiny bit off the hsts than ending up with skimpy ones.


The 3.5 inch trimmed hst's will finjsh to 3 inch squares when sewn into a block.

Maybe read the rest of the instructions before panicking. .?

( ign ore the emoticons. I can not make them go away):shock: :cool:

I have done that but so far, I have had no response. Hopefully, I will get an answer though, but I thought I would also put it out there for all of you quilters with tons of ideas and experience.

Sounds like the pattern is correct to me. If you are aiming for a 3" finished HST, you are officially supposed to cut the squares 7/8" larger but most people add an inch, so you would cut the squares at 4", draw a diagonal line, sew a scant 1/4" on either side of the line then cut on the line. The resultant HST should be just a sliver over 3.5". Trim down to 3.5"
Try one with some scrap fabric to verify.

http://www.psiquilt.com/2010/02/half...-tutorial.html

Ladies, I have egg all over my face!!! The instructions do work out. I just made a sample HST and it is slightly larger than my required size. Thanks for making me see this.

HI, You are not the first to have made a math mistake with HST and I bet, you won't be the last !!! I always keep it simple and cut them larger than needed, press them and starch those little suckers and then trim them down to size. :)

lol, don't you hate it when that happens? I always wonder if egg is good form my complexion ;-)

I know you have figured this out, but Judy is out of town with limited internet...that is why you have not heard from her. She is very good about emailing back. Ask me how I know!

On HST's, regardless of what size, I cut the 2 squares an inch larger than the HST(unfinished) is supposed to be. In your case if the HST's are supposed to be 3 1/2", I would cut my squares 4 1/2", a lot of directions only allow 7/8", and sometimes that might work, but I'll just be a little more "wasteful" and allow an entire inch.