There is some wastage but the results are worth it. How else can you get such neat points and do such intricate designs. Save your pieces in a pile of that color and watch for a place you can use them smaller pieces. Also using an add a 1/4 inch ruler will help save fabric. This ruler is really a must for paper piecers. I would not be without one. I do a lot of paper piecing and the small amount of wastage is worth the results.