I usually start by cutting the largest pieces first....and usually cut strips the width of the fabric to make them. I then work my way down cutting the next largest pieces out of any fabric I have left over from the largest pieces....some patterns are written that way...others do create a bit of waste as you go....no matter what, whatever is left over at the end goes into my scrap boxes so it isn't really wasted anyway. I don't know what sizes you need to make...but say you needed a bunch of 15 inch strips 3 inches wide....40 inch is the amount you will get from a WOF fabric cut....which will leave you with 10 inches left over....so if the pattern calls for 2.5 inch squares...you could cut the remainder of the strip down to 2.5 inches and then subcut into 5 2.5 inch squares....This is why I love scrap quilting....cuz leftovers and "waste" get used anyway. I am making Bonnies 90 by 90 inch mystery quilt this year and I am using 100 % "scraps" No waste in the long run with scrap quilts.