Pennyhal

I don't care what I do, I never get an exact measurement. Apparently, I can't even sew a straight line! How crazy is that? I've made over 50 quilts and am still struggling with this. I've read a zillion articles, looked at a bazillion websites, and tried my best. So, don't feel alone with this problem. So far, my best new trick is to use Mary Ellen's (I use a tone of this stuff) and spray it on the fabric before cutting out the shapes, make them a little bigger and cut them down to size like others suggest, and spray it on after stitching the patches together. If I don't "cut big and trim down" the patches never measure what they should no matter how carefully I measure and sew. And even then, the blocks don't always come out right size. I've come to accept my flaws and not fret over things not being perfect.

QuiltingCrazie

I go the easy route I bought a ruler from Joann's think its called the angler. Anyway, there's no 7/8 you cut strips your finished hst size and cut with the ruler. Look on YouTube for the demo.
http://www.joann.com/wrights-easy-an...-2-/xprd74159/ here the link to the ruler

happyquiltmom

I also add 1 inch to my squares and trim the units down. I use the Creative Grids 12 1/2" square up ruler. It adds an extra step, but I think it's worth it to gain accuracy.

bigsister63

The basic rule is to add 7/8" to the size of the desired FINISHED block. Eg if you want 3" FINISHED block then cut your blocks to be used as triangles 3 7/8", 6" finished blocks cut fabric 6 7/8". Then draw a line down the diaginal of the block and sew 1/4" on either side of that line. Cut on the line and Voila 2 HST. After cutting the fabric you will get desired FINISHED block size + 1/2"

tessagin

Thanks for sharing. Instead of adding the 7/8, I just go to a full inch. Like you said you can always trim when you square it up.

Jingle

Cut 1" larger and trim to the size you need it to be.

love 2 sew

Always round up to the next inch. If it says cut 3 7/8, cut 4.

frustratedquilter40

I usually cut larger for 3 1/2" I cut my squares at 4" and sew a scant 1/4" and then trim down. HST's are not my frien either tgat is why I have 2 BOM that are over 3 years old both require like 200 or more of these things.There are a lot of people who use the strip tube method I guess Missouri Star Quilt Company has a tutorial on this method.

AliKat

I too cut a tad bigger and then use my Bias Square up ruler for trimming after I have ironed the piece.

If I have a lot to do then I will use something like Thangles and do it PP. When I have over 30-40 to make this seems to be the easier method for me.

Anael

Jan, thanks so much for the tut!