I have not yet made a log cabin, but have read several posts over a period of time that said if you don't cut the strips to the exact size, the blocks won't be as accurate. I was surprised by that. I just assumed if you were careful, you could sew and trim and get a nice block. I read a post on another forum where someone made the whole quilt by the faster, sew and trim method, and the quilt was way out of square. I guess she didn't square up after she sewed the blocks.

I use the strip method. Everyone is different, You and should try all the methods and pick out the best one for you.

I like to cut the right size.

I agree.

Strip, chain sewing, then squaring when blocks are done. Should always square up before sewing rows together. Trust me, not quite right if you don't.

Me too. Every few rounds I press and square up the blocks as they can get out of wack.

Cutting strips before hand or squaring up every few rounds, both take time so choose what suits you best.

I am more accurate with cutting out.

Strip method.

I have used both methods. With this current Watermelon quilt I cut all the pieces, laid them by color and size in their appropriate containers, and chain sewed. Of course I had to sew three blocks the traditional way before I told myself it will go faster chain-sewing! Duh! It did and now I am finishing up the appliqued seeds. I did get a few of the blocks a tad off so I squared up each one at the 6" and then the finished size. That took alot of extra time. Oh well.
I guess it just depends what mood I am in and ...

I use Marti Michelle's log cabin ruler. They help you cut the correct width and length strips and they go together very quickly and precisely. I am usually a stripper (Ellie's girls), but for this, I go one step further.

Charlie