Could you put a piece of masking/painter's tape on your machine bed to eliminate the marking process?? I've not tried it myself but it seems to me this is much like the 'easy angler' (might have that term incorrect) ruler to put on your machine bed?? I, too, for HST's always cut larger and then trim. Not sure if it's my cutting or sewing that is off but it's far less frustrating for me to cut that 1/8" larger and trim. That rotating mat is a godsend for this process!