This thread has be so informative to me. I am currently learning to cut and sew accurately. It has been quite a struggle for me. In addition to starching and pressing the fabric, it took a little while to realize that the width of the lines on the rulers makes a big difference as well as the scant 1/4" seam. I think I finally got all the steps working for me now and my strips and blocks are measuring like they should. But it is discussions like this one that has enabled me to finally cross all the Ts and dot all the Is. Thanks to all of you who participate.