You can start with what ever. The first thing that I did when I got mine was too take a big box of scraps and I used the die that came with it and layered the fabric on it and cut it all into blocks of different sizes. One thing that I did notice is that you should watch the grain, because the fabric can stretch when cutting and the squares won't be accurate which in some patterns is a necessity. I also love the rag die, we use it the most. One hint is to use a permanent marker and trace the outline on the mat where the blades are so that when you are lining up the fabric its easier to see.