Willferg, also remember sometimes when the cutting is off, its because of the way the grain is layed down to but, I learned that the hard way cutting cotton squares for my 3 D windmill, couldnt figure out for a while why they weren't square or the right size. When sewing the blocks together you can also use the blue tape to tape the snips down so that they wont get in the way while sewing and then it'll come right off after sewing. I don't always put an X in the middle, I sometimes do an embroidery design or make one side of the quilt with designs on it and then solids on the back with appliques, then it's two sided and kids have something to play and look at. I still say the rag die is the way to go.