When I first started quilting (pre-rotary cutter days) I tore all the strips for a queen-sized log cabin quilt. I then spent a long time ironing all the strips to try and get rid of the ripply edges. The quilt came out ok! I rip sometimes now, mainly if I want a chunk off of a large piece of yardage but I cut my strips for borders, sashing, etc. My lqs tears yardage and that is fine with me.