Once upon a time I saw a show on Alex Anderson...can't remember the designer/instructor. Her 'benchmark' was the 'Personal piecing measurement'. I'm a full believer in this. Granted, the pattern calls for a scant 1/4". As long as all of your seams are consistent and your blocks line up - why fret???? I don't. I've even been know to 'stretch' or 'gather' a block or two in my lifetime. For a local BOM I just had to cut strips 2 11/16???? Who came up with that???? I understand why based on the later construction of the block but really?? Who came up with that! Go with what works for you. Relax. It really isn't that critical - IMNSHO!