This is the only way my log cabin blocks are always the same size. I cut my strips to size, finger press each strip as I add them. Press only the back of the block with up and down motion when block is finished never the front, it will stretch! Sometimes I will get a block maybe 1/4 -1/2 in off, those I wet and block to size. Works for me, only had to do 3 in queen size log cabin.