I am slightly left/right dyslexic and it really showed when I tried to paper piece odd shapes. I had the same problem. My ah ha!! moment came, when I finally printed an extra copy of the pattern and cut it apart. I made sure to label which side would be facing out, therefore cut on the right side of the fabric. The first few times, I added generously, but got to a point that I only added the 1/4 inch.