NO NO NO not the bars! there is a little tool I use from clover...I LOVE it!
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...PRODID=prd2791
If it comes in the width you want I'd recommend these! I use one for stems and it so much easier than the bars.
ONE other suggestion I think I cut the strips 3/4" I spray starched them first - let them dry - then iron them so they are stiff. When putting them through the "maker" the stiffer material was easier to work with.
HUGS