I actually use pieces that are just 1/2 inch. I make 1/8 inch seams in most of my crumb quilts. I start with my two smallest pieces and sew them together. Find or make a straight side and sew something onto that. If I can't find a piece large enough, I pick through and find pieces the same width, sew them all together in a row, and now I have a strip to sew onto the block. I've made four of these quilts now with black sashing. My cornerstones are 2 1/2 inch squares, and they have anywhere from four to 10 pieces in them. At least four of strange shapes and sizes.