Well, I guess I violate all the rules of the "Quilt Police", but all I've ever had is a block layout to make my log cabin quilts. I cut my block centers, and using strips cut lengthwise of the grain, cut the strips the length of my yardage. For convenience sake (storage), I wind the strips around the cardboard toilet paper rolls, pinning each length to the preceding length. Then, I strip piece following the block layout I've decided to use. I always press the seams after each strip, and square up after each log. I am an absolute rank amateur when it comes to piecing quilts, but this works for me. I am very careful not to stretch the fabric as I work with it. I've never had a problem with wonky blocks. It works for me, but it's safe to say that it's not likely to work for everyone.