I make a lot of string quilts for charity. I like the 'look' of the same solid strip down the center of each square ususally about 1-1/2" black. Then when it is done I can play with a pattern with that strip and just gives the whole quilt a point of interest. Using a glue stick to hold down that first piece nice and straight, makes all the difference in the world, as try to pin fabric to deli paper is difficult at best....