Buckeye Rose

I want to make a carpenter's star with a block size of 8-1/2" (finished, ready to sew to other blocks). I would like to use the method of layering different colors squares, mark a line diagonally, then sew 1/4" on both sides of the line, then cut down the middle giving you two HST. The problem is I just can't figure what size squares to start with....must be too much coffee. Is there a helpful chart or brilliant mind out there that can help me? LOL

Scissor Queen

8 1/2 is not your finished size, 8 inches is your finished size. Add 1 inch to your finished size and then square them up or add 7/8 ths if you sew perfect.

Buckeye Rose

thank you much! I always get confused by the definition of finished/unfinished.

Scissor Queen

The easy way to remember is, if it still has a raw edge it's not finished yet.

Havplenty

there is so much information on cutting half square triangles and the math involved in them so it takes the guess work out of it for you. hopefully some of these links will work for you.

http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/techni...ngles_ss1.html
http://whipup.net/2011/03/17/guest-b...are-triangles/
http://www.blockcentral.com/a-halfsq...glepaper.shtml
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t176908-3.html