I prefer to have the exact ruler with markings for the pattern I'm making. That saves me time and many times a lot of frustration. I use Terial Magic instead of starch before cutting. Even bias does't stretch. The things I refuse to use or do is pin basting, a rotary blade that skips, a marked up cutting mat, or a machine that gives me any trouble. I am not a make do type person. I don't see the rewards of it at my age.