You did not mention a ruler. You can get a well marked ruler & you should not have to mark your fabric. Try Easy Rule II by Sharon Hultgren. It is a 23" x6 1/2. there is also one by Creative grids that is a non slip ruler.You can go to www.creativegridsusa.com and see the different sizes.This ruler has 3/4- 1/2- 1/4 marking along with the other sizes. I like mine very much,just got it last week.