I once cut the short pieces of sashing before I assembled the blocks because I knew how long they were suppose to be. When I went to attack them to the blocks they were all too short. I had calculated on 1/2" seams but I actually sewed the blocks together using 1/4" seams. the fabric was some I had ordered on line so I had to order more and wait for it to come. I was glad it was reorderable and not some sale remnant fabric. I am now making coasters out of the too short strips.