P.S. I think I just answered my own question. I would have to square them off first because if I don't the seams will never match if they need squaring.

I think i remember Jean saying that the 1/4 inch seems were not critical with this pattern and she was going to tell us why but I never heard why. I don't think she mentioned it. I am very careful re the 1/4 seam but I could be a little off on some. Since she said that, I was wondering regarding the squaring off the blocks.