I'd never precut my borders. My 1/4" seam is getting better, but I am still in the learning mode in quilting. Ask me about apparel sewing. I can answer that. Okay, so if I chose this pattern for the next birthday quilt of one one of my four daughters, the 3 1/2" it is. Yay, I can use the Shape Cut. Thank you. Now to find enough tan, brown and rust batiks in my stash. I bet I only have to purchase the cream background fabric.