Thanks, Margo and Dwynette, that quilt size is pretty big. My most recent quilt that I did was 75"by75". I said to myself I would try to do smaller for awhile. But it's good to know that size would probably work. Thanks, Jan

One of the quilts here that the guys like to use on the couch is 80" x 60".

Here's another site for HSTs with more options:
http://www.quiltingandwhatnot.ca/Half-Square-Triangle.html

I need a lap size that works for a big guy and I will figure out how much yardage is needed to back it. Thanks, Jan

Thanks, Dwynette, Rosemary and Margo.
If this is a second post I am sorry but when I got on here it looked like my first post to thank you didn't go through. Lol, it gets rid of excess verbiage. Jan

Thank you, Dwynette, Margo and Rosemary. I printed up 12 of those HST papers and that will solve that problem nicely and Rosemary I especially liked your idea to cut the papers to my size needed. Then I can really vary the colors and use less of each of my stash fat quarters. Now I need to decide how big to do the lap quilts. Margo can you estimate the lap size for your 6'2" sons so I know the size that works for most soldiers and coincidently my dad, too?
I should probably look for more ideas for fast lap quilts. Actually I like the idea of neutrals and reds and blues. Maybe someone knows where to get a free pattern for larger HST's. I have 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper from Carol Doak that is the right kind of paper for cutting up for any paper piecing. Thanks, Jan

Decide how many pairs you want to stitch of each colour way - I would suggest minium of 2, or in multiples of 2, cut out that many of your hst paper, cut 2 pieces of fabric slightly larger than paper, layer, pin, and stitch as before.
'Simples' - Alexander Meerkat would say

Good answer, Dwynette!

Jan, if you have been given a specific size for your charity, you really should follow their guidelines. I don't know that there is a "typical" size for a throw.

If I were making one for my sons (over 6'2") I would need a bigger one than for my MIL who is in a wheelchair and doesn't need to drag all that fabric around!

If you need more gridded paper you can find printable grids on the web.
Here's one site: http://www.blockcentral.com/a-halfsquaretrianglepaper.shtml

Print out the paper, making sure your printer prints correctly, or use the paper you already have. Cut the squares (in whatever increments you want) on the solid line and cut your fabric slightly larger. Stitch on the dotted lines and cut exactly on the edges around your squares, as well as on any other solid lines.

Or use Thangles.

I was hoping to find out from someone how I can do 2 and 1/2" HST's in smaller numbers than 28. I don't want to make so many at a time and want to use my own stash to make neutral and patriotic colored HST"s to do some lap quilts. I have two Quilt of Valor panels for the center and some perfect fabric for the borders. If anyone knows how I can make some smaller number of HST's that are 2 and 1/2" with varied fat quarters that will go with this color scheme can you let me know. Or if anyone wants to send me some leftovers that fit this scheme I'd love them. Just no greens or wierd colors. I am not sure if I am doing any lap quilts for the quilts of valor program. The rules I think are that they have to me at least 50" by 65".
What is a typical throw size? Thanks, Jan

ritzy wrote:
Now that would have been a great idea. Thank you for reminding me. I can do two more rows and then will only have the last row to do when the extra HSTs arrive. I really need to remember to use my camera more.

Oops... I sure did. That would be a nice drive but would take me a while to get there!

I'll email you my addy. Thank you Shirley.

JoJo, I think you have me confused with the other Shirley. I live in Marion, Iowa. I'll be glad to mail them but I know it will take several days. Shirley35

JoJo-take a picture of your HSTs before Dillian gets to them--then you will not have to work so hard to get it back to where you had it.

Oh, that's wonderful news and might just work. Thank you for letting me know Margo!