I also use the fiskars XL punch, which makes the 1inch hexies. I cut strips with my rotary cutter to 2 and 5/8 wide, then hand scissor cut them with the paper pinned on. I use the cheap poster from walmart, 33cents, for templates, and I do the sew through the template method, just the way I got started, and it works for me. So, to have take-along ready, I use a plastic school box, have lots of papers, fabric squares, small scissors, thread, needles, pins, and chap-stick to condition thread, and I'm good to go! You will be surprised how fast they accumulate, I think I started making them some time last summer, and have done well over 2 thousand, completed one baby quilt, and about to put together a full/queen quilt top!