To me the easiest way is like this to make 8 half-square triangle units at a time, determine the finished size unit. Add 1” then double that number. Finished size = 2”+1” = 3”x2 = 6” cut size.

My HST's always turn out better when I add one whole inch to the finished size than that 7/8 inch. Even when I sewed a "very scant" 1/4 inch seam with the 7/8 addition - my HST's ended up skimpy.

I am still trying to use up all the small HST's i made using later cakes. You get 32 HST out of two layer cakes, i made alot, came out to 4000+ HST to press and trim to 2 inch HST. Learned it on here ,years ago.

The scissors are shown to indicate where to cut. I would use a rotary cutter.

I have used this method and it works fine. So many different ways to make a hsts and I have used them all and probably every ruler designed to make hsts and square them. I even have a ruler that makes these 8 at a time. It's https://www.ozquilts.com.au/fast2mar...ublishing.html All the math is on the ruler for what size hst you want. (enlarge the image to see the size chart)

For me, the easiest way to make half square triangles is to use Thangles!!

bearisgray - I’m with you about upsizing to one inch and then trimming later. I have rulers that measure the 7/8” but I have trouble seeing it - so I just go up 1/8”. Honestly I’ve never used the 8 at a time HST- I’ve used triangles in a roll mostly. But - next time I need more than a couple of the same HST I will definitely try the 8-at-a-time method.

Isn’t it great that there are so many different ways to make HST. There are still new books that tell you to cut squares and then cut diagonally - and then sew those back together in the proper colors. Yikes!!!