I had to cut 744 2 1/2 " squares and I used my shape cutter. After I cut my strips I turned the shape cutter so it was horizontal and cut the squares. I had to make 2 horizontal cuts to cut the strips each time. One thing that helps is to mark all your cutting lines. I used small post it notes but they woud be too big for 1 1/2 " strips . There is some florescent tape that is skinny enough to use for 1 1/2' strips. Good luck.