It depends on what you want the end result to be. The first log cabin I made I used EB book and 2 1/2 inch strips. It was nice and very traditional. I really like the log cabins made with narrower strips-more interest. I also like those that use different width of strips-wider for the color portion and narrower for the lighter side because they give a curved look to the patchwork. Judy Martin has one like that in one of her books-I hope to make it one day.