A method of making a memory cell or magnetic element by double patterning. The method includes providing a starting stack having a first area, masking a portion of the first area of the starting stack resulting in a first masked portion and a first unmasked portion. Then, removing the first unmasked portion of the starting stack to provide a second area. A portion of this second area is masked, resulting in a second masked portion and a second unmasked portion. The method also includes removing the second unmasked portion to provide a third area, with the finished cell or element being the third area.