aren't you the clever one, Gangles!
I had forgotten about that tearing the strips thing, but Elenor BUrns used to teach that method all of the time.
And, you are right - - straight of grain with the minimum of hassle.
However, I have always resisted it because of: What size to tear if I have to clean up those ragged edges? What size to tear is I keep the ragged edges (with all of those strings that happen as the fabric gets on straight of grain)?
Now, thanks to you - - I know ... tear the strips a quarter inch wider and trim the rags ... thank you ... that helps a lot!