If I am understanding right, you are having trouble seeing the edge of the fabric that is under the ruler. Example: You want to cut a 2 1/2in strip. If right handed, your cut edge is on the left, you put the ruler on top of that edge at the 2.5 mark, but you are having trouble as the edge of the fabric is blending with the board. If so, try putting a strip of construction paper about 4'' wide halfway under the edge of the fabric so that some is under the fabric edge, and some is sticking out to the left of the fabric, but not deep enough to the cut line. Then put the ruler on top to do the cut. You could use a color that is easiest for your eyes to distinguish between colors. At least you would then know which color mat to buy, or you might not need to buy one after all.