For quilts, I cut my strips 2 1/2 inches, sew them together diagonally, press in half wrong sides together and sew to the top with a generous 1/4 inch seam allowance. If I am making a wall hanging or table runner with thinner batting I use 2 1/4 inch strips. I practiced making pot holders and placemats. They are quick to make and give you lots of practice turning corners and joining the ends.