it is also important to line up for your cuts on the same side of the lines. Are you using the lines on the cutting mat. If so this is not always accurate. Be sure and have some grippers on your ruler so it won't slip. cut a section and then holding the ruler securely inch worm your hands up so the cut won't slip. I find that the last 1/2" sometimes slips so do carefully. And regardless of what the pattern says - only cut what you can accurately manage.