I starch the snot out of my fabric before I cut. and then i starch while I iron also. you just have to be careful when you do that to let the starch dry completely so you don't warp the fabric when you iron or press. I also found that when you make a point if you are at the third line, so you don't loose the point you sew just above the intersection. hope this helps. its that scant 1/4". it does make a difference