I learned how to PP from a book by Valori Wells, "Radiant New York Beauties". She uses a strip of fabric, cut the width needed to span the shape. I then add 5/8" to that width for seam allow. If the fabric doesn't have a directional print you can save fabric by using both ends. To measure so you know how wide to cut, you just use your pattern and find piece # 1. Place your ruler perpendicular to the seam line between piece # 1 & 2. Measure across until you get to the farthest edge, then add 5/8" to that. Repeat for each piece. I cut strips for as many as I think I'll need by adding up the lengths of the pattern shapes, adding some inches for waste, then divide that into the width of my fabric, so I know how many strips to cut, I round up if there's a fraction. I label my strips with the pattern # on a little piece of paper either pinned on or use a small paper clamp. I draw an "X" on the wrong side with a fabric marker on one end, if it's hard to tell the right from the wrong side. Then when you start PP, I just remove one strip at a time. You might have several strips attached until you trim after sewing and pressing. You also might have several strips of the same fabric but cut different widths. As long as you label them, you should be fine. I've always used this strip method and you will always have enough fabric to cover, because you don't cut the fabric off until after you've sewn the seam. I also will cut a small piece of each fabric and glue it to a copy of the pattern. This ensures I'll take the correct fabric for that section. I also use the Add-A-Quarter ruler which makes trimming so easy and accurate.