This is not a stupid question, and I will help you as much as I can.
I myself hand cut all my reeds using a sharp orange handled ss Fiscars scissors.
1. I purchase 2x3 ft sheets of mylar and 3x4 ft sheets of polyester in .010 and .014 thicknesses.
2. I then cut them in 1 ft squares for further easier cutting into strips.
I just use a sharp blade in a utility knife and a metal ruler on a hardwood surface,. measuring and cutting them in strips 1.5 and 2 inch wide.
3. To cut the strips I always hold the 12" sheet by a corner to see which way the natural curvature shows, then I always cut the strips across the curvature. If this is not done this way your reeds when cut will have a more dramatic curve to them.
4. I then cut reeds across the strips using my sharp scissors.
You will still have some natural curvature in a new cut reed, and for me that curve should always face up on the call tone board. To check this place the reed ends between your thumb and forefinger and slightly push in to make it curve. The inside curve side should be placed on top of the tone board.
