Good thing I had not cut all the pieces. The pattern is from an Fall 2003 Fabric Trends magazine, called Miss Milly's Garden Maze. I am using a FW with a 1/4 foot and sewing with 40wt Aurifil thread. I think that I will use GAY's suggestion and cut the "X" strips 1 3/8 as I continue to cut the strips for the other squares 1 1/4.
Thanks for all your suggestions as for moving the needle for the scant 1/4 , I would have to change machines and I usually don't change machines unless I have to.