Every helpful tip I've read has been a good tip. I will add to this this tip: ALWAYS -- just to be sure, and to allay fears that the resulting patch is the correct size -- MAKE ONE PATCH BY THE PATTERN'S DIRECTION. Then when you use all these tips, you can put the "squared down" patch next to your "template" (which is the patch you made exactly from the pattern) to assure you that even though you've taken measures to avoid the dreaded 3/8 cut, it's good. Hope this is helpful!