I don't know about cutting as I bought these from ebay, although my g/f cut her own just taking it slow and watching the pattern as for sewing them, don't take them out of order I learned a hard lesson. sew one section at a time and sew the corners on first each set needs 4 mine says to do it last another lesson learned although its comming together for me. the center if you don't get it right on you will have a witches hat in the center if its a small hat I just press it down if it looks ok i move forward.
if not I open the seam and sew again and again lol. I really wish anyone the best of luck, I struggle but I struggle with everything. I'm greatful for the private lessons so i get it right.