I'm self-taught, too. I cut the largest pieces first -- NOT the border. I save the borders until the end, whether it's the same fabric as in the pieces or different. Then I cut the borders, that way I'm assured I'll have enough. And call me crazy, but I always buy more fabric than they say you need for a pattern......because I was burned once, ran short of one of the fabrics and never did find it again (that was before I discovered this forum!! :lol: ).