RE: Covering question
I am not worth a darn at covering either.
However over a period of years a sheet of glass, a metal straight edge, and a sharp Exacto has worked best for cutting monocote. Incidentally the glass came from an old storm door.
I also make paper templates for almost everything. If the template cannot be cut with an Exacto then scissors will be needed. I keep cuticle scissors and regular scissors handy.
Bill