You can use 1 inch to. Wool, Cotton, felt or just about any thing...the thicker the fabric the more narrow the strips. I finished and now I am doing the binding. I am using all wool for the binding...it is looking really nice. So glad I am almost done. I did not interlock my strips this time instead I will sew them down in the back and then attack burlap and then use 3M rug tape to keep it from moving on the floor.