I love the 8 at a time method! I use an inch rather than a 7/8. I find I am more accurate with the larger sizes (i.e. start with 10" squares to make 8 - 4.5" unfinished) with very little trimming. If I'm doing under 3 inch finished I use paper piecing.
There is also a method to trim them before opening them up, which really cuts down the trimming. I can't for the life of me think of the name. I'll need to search my pins!
Edited to add: Found it!
http://www.littlemissshabby.com/2014...hst-technique/