I use the 1" all the time. I have a 1" template I use to cut them out with. If you'd like one just pm me.
What kind of pattern is it? If it uses a 4 patch you can sew pieces and then cut them down. I use shortcuts I developed to make this easier to do. But it would depend on what your pattern consists of.
I also sew strips together and then cut the strips to the size you need. I would use 1" strips and then after sewing three or four together then trim them lengthwise to the 1" or I trim one edge of two sets of strips and then join the two strip sets together. Afte that I trim one of them before adding another row of strips. I plan on doing a tutorial for this soon. so if it interests you let me know.