I love using 1" (unfinished) squares in my art quilts. I've done it several ways over the years and the easiest by far is to either use the 1" gridded fusible interfacing (Pellon 820) or just to draw your own grid on plain lightweight fusible interfacing. Pellon makes it in other grid sizes and has it on point as well. It guarantees straight seams and evenly finished squares with accurate seam intersections. Great stuff and a
major time saver. Here's a tutorial on using the grid.
http://rachel-thelifeofriley.blogspo...-tutorial.html
When I first started working with the micro square format, I used strip piecing and then sliced up the strata in different widths, but that gives you a more repetitive design, not always desireable. Here's one that used that technique with success.
I don't use scraps, all these quilts are cut from yardage and the placement is 100% planned, never random. I use standard ¼" seam allowances and don't consider them any more of a waste of fabric than I would if I were making wholecloth quilts. It's my choice and working in this style is pure joy for me.
