I use really skinny strips for borders on table runners. They look like the first edge of a photo matting when I am done. Working with skinny strips and trying to be very exacting ... it takes lots of starch. For the 1/2 inch strips I use my needle over function and sew just over an 1/8 inch seam. Lots more used for the 1 inch , some of the most fabulous string quilts are made from these really skinny strips. I know you use the 1.5 inch but do intermingle some really skinny ones. I also love log cabins mde from 1 inch strips.