diff --git a/src/stitching_scanner.py b/src/stitching_scanner.py
index 1870ef8..5006e58 100644
--- a/src/stitching_scanner.py
+++ b/src/stitching_scanner.py
@@ -223,7 +223,7 @@ class StitchingScanner:
             self.log(f"  Placing strip at X={strip_x_start}:{strip_x_end}, Y={y_offset}:{y_offset + h_strip}")
             self.log(f"  Actual strip width: {actual_strip_width}")
             
-            if actual_strip_width <= blend_w:
+            if abs(actual_strip_width) <= blend_w:
                 self.log(f"  Strip too narrow, skipping")
                 return result