Depending on the pattern you are making, hard to say. I understand what you are saying with the 7/8" measurement. Perhaps so as to not have to adjust the balance of your cutting; place a piece of painter's tape; bandaid; something on your ruler at the 7/8" mark to make it easier in the cutting process. I'm in the process of trying to get better at piecing/cutting. I think my piecing is pretty precise. I think my cutting is 'haphazard'...not always using the same point on the ruler when cutting. My plan is to use the tape method to become more precise. Maybe this will help you.