I'm with Lorettan-how would you do this? If you didn't add something when you cut, the blocks would come out smaller than the pattern calls for. I like the idea of a 1/2" seam. I think it would be better for a lot of us (me included) and a lot easier. I know a lot of times I have to rip out a seam because my 1/4" wasn't 1/4"....