actual sewing line.
i take my copy and cut out around the edge and fold it in half to make sure that both sides are the same. don't just assume that they will be because this is not always the case. i had to trim up a little on this copy to make sure both sides were even. then i use my handy 5/8 tool here which i have no idea what it is called. you just lay the edge of the ruler on the edge of your pattern and draw in the lines as shown and this gives you the 5/8 inch seam allowance.
next, i trimmed off the 5/8 seam 