I cut the 2 1/2 inch strips, and sew them together, on the slant, until I have enough to do the whole quilt, then press them in half...I then sew it to the back side, which eliminates the raw edges, and then turn it, and sew onto the front, there is the fold, no raw edges.......I use the 1/4 inch foot guide, and it works great. Be in a calm state though when trying it, if I am upset, or nervous about something, I mess anything up, every time.