I've made many rag quilts. I sew an X through the squares before sewing the rows. If I have to have a quilt by the next day I only sew an / through them. You need stitching through the squares to hold the batting in place. The rag quilt is very forgiving so don't worry too much about being exact. Buy rag snip scissors. If you only use them once they are worth the price. I prefer Heritage Spring Loaded scissors. I can snip a King size rag quilt without stopping using them and my hand does not hurt. I have made so many rag quilts I bought two sizes of the Go rag dies. No snipping needed. My bigger scraps are always cut into rag squares. Rag quilts make great use and wash quilts.