Mary, If you go to this web sitehttp://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/6105-rotary-cut-fabric.shtml you will see how to cut the fabric. It is important to cut to save as much fabric as you can. You will understand after you make this quilt because you are going to love it and want all the fabric you can get your hands on. All of us are fabric crazy :lol: Good luck on the quilt!