Hi, re the waste I figured it out a half inch waste on a 2 inch square is 25%, so depending on how many squares are the die at one time it could add up to be quite a bit, and yes I realize that some of the dies abut, but even if you just calculate only 2 edges it would be at least 10 to12% and if you left more than 1/4 inch on each of 2 edges the number went up. Like I said, I was just glad that I had extra fabric. Had 1 fabric that stretched like crazy with the die (triangular)and had to abandon it altogether. Maybe I just had a bad first experience, but its gone now. OH well. :?