When I've made log cabin quilts, I would sew and trim as I went along. I did make one lo cabin with paper piecing and the blocks all came out very precise.

I just cut the strips , sew and trim as I go along. About the only thing you have to really cut is the center block, then just add and trim.

I would precut . I've made a lot of log cabin quilts I always precut.

Sorry, I didn't get my instructions out of a book. We were at a 4-H quilt camp, and the instructors there showed us how to do it. Just remember that you always have to sew across a seam, and after the fourth piece added, you always sew over 2 seams. That starts when you put the last piece in the first round surrounding the chimney (the center square).

I started quilting with the Eleanor Burns log cabin book. It is the only way I have ever made a log cabin. I love the chain sewing because they go together so fast. I square up after every round and have never had a problem with different size blocks.

Easier to trim as you sew.

And I am doing a quilt right now where I am paper piecing Courthouse Steps (same thing). Very precise and accurate and I like to paper peice. Made my own paper foundations to do it.

I read if you cut your material Perpendicular to the salvage instead of cutting it edge to edge it works better with the Log Cabin. The material does not stretch when cut that way and it more accurate when sewing all the pieces.
Sloane

I think you've got to find what works for you best. I am lousy at pre-cutting all of the strips, and my blocks turn out wonky, even though I can piece a block and have it come out square. Go figure. I used Ellen Burn's book on log cabin quilts and learned to use strip piecing. It works like a charm for me.

Why don't you try each way of doing those log cabin blocks, and decide which works the best for you!!

I have enjoyed reading this post since I have started cutting strips for my log cabin quilt. I have cut all the centers from red fabric but the remainder will be scrappy. Thanks to everyone for their comments.