I am making a Courthouse Steps log cabin. Bought the book, took a 3 hr class, cut out my strips exact. Got to class and teacher said we cut just cut out the fabric strips and it was ok. So I sewed the exact strips and loved them in class. Came home and cut the strips and used them, did not love them. I know I spent way more time cutting the exact strips, but they do look way better. Have no clue why. I have to vote to cut the strips the exact size.