when I learned to do the log cabin the instructor had us put each dark and light of the same length in a baggie (starting after the middle) when you picked up your piece whether dark or light you should be sewing over 2 seams then it is on the correct side. We did this as a chain until the bag was empty. Then went to the next baggie (size strip) and continued. I think as long as you look to see that you are always sewing over 2 seams you will be OK. This may have muddied it more for you. But it helped me, course that was hands on instruction.