Picture in your mind how you want the finished strips to look. You will want the colors to go from dark to light to dark so you will cut them to achieve that sequence, I would think. So I would fold them as you sewed them with the seams horizontal and then cut vertically. There must be a simple solution to this and I am waiting for a better answer.
We sure have learned alot on this message and I for one plan to use all your suggestions.
Happy quilting.
Carol J.