I, too, add 1" to the finished size measurement. Forget that 7/8" stuff! Add the extra 1/8" and it is easier to measure and cut and you for sure have enough to trim it up perfectly!

BethMI

Wooo hooo. I knew you guys would help. Thanks so much. Now I am going to post that formula in big numbers by my cutting table. Gloria

I prefer to cut squares that are one inch larger than the finished size I want, draw a line diagonally on the light square's reverse side, put the squares right sides together, sew a scant quarter inch from each side of the diagonal line, then cut on the drawn line, and press the two half square triangles open, then trim to the exact size. Much more accurate for me.

Pat in Rockport, TX

So Gloria, if your half square triangle finishes to 2 1/2 inches, then you would cut your two squares 2 1/2 inches plus 7/8 inches, which would be 3 3/8 inch squares.

Hope this helps.

Dana in Olive Branch, MS

Now I have a question. I am working on a sampler quilt and using templates for the blocks. The finished block is a 1/2 square triangle measuring 2 1/2 inches. I don't like sewing the bias. I'm much more comfortable sewing the block with contrasting right sides together and sewing 1/4 inch either side of a diagonal line down the center then cutting apart on that diagonal line. What I don't know how to figure is the size of the square needed to get 2 21/2 inch 1/2 square triangles. I think it is one of those funky 7/8 inch measurements. I am mathematically challenged and this is driving me nuts. Any help would certainly be appreciated. Gloria

For those who helped me with the circle dimensions, thank you!! I finally got around to trying the diameter minus 1 inch and it WORKED PERFECTLY. I never would have believed it, but had absolutely no problems sewing the center into the circle.

Thanks again!

Yes, I'm making the center compass that's featured on the cover. Can't wait myself. Too bad I have to "work for a living."

tkwrtr are you working on the Mathieson quilt that is on the cover? Her quilts are spectacular and I keep admiring the look of precision of her work. Hope you share pics of your quilt.

When I did the background piece for the Mariner's Compass I am working on I drew a circle for the finished compass on the background fabric. This was my stitch line. I also made some registration marks so I could put the compass in hopefully straight. I cut out the inner circle a generous quarter inch from my stitch line. It worked but does it make sense when I explain it.

I'd try it with paper first before I cut into fabric

I would think U need to figure the circle the same way U do for a square block since the seam goes all the way around, thus 1/4 inch for each side = 1 inch. That is the way I would have looked at it. Good luck and cain't wait to see how it works for U.

Linda

Tried and true. I'll take your word for it (but the skeptic in me still wants to try a practice piece -- sorry.) Seriously, I never would have figured to add a full inch.

I agree with you about it not sounding correct but I remember when I got it I tried my way and theirs and mine never worked out right but their way did. It still doesn't make sense to me.

Thanks for your help. I saw the directions on the Easy Circle and 1 in doesn't sound right, but I'm not a mathematician, so I think I'll take some scrap fabrics and do a test run. I'll post the results of the test later.