Squaring the fabric edge – two ruler method

To cut strips accurately, the raw edge of the fabric needs to be straightened and cut away to be on grain.

Tools:

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If off the bolt, press the fold line from the fabric. If washed, press the fabric so it is wrinkle-free. Fold the fabric in half, wrong sides together, with the selvages aligned and the fabric smooth. The raw edge will be uneven. If the cutting mat you’re using is smaller, fold the fabric again, carefully smoothing it with your hands so it’s flat.
Place the fabric on the cutting mat with the folded edge closest to you and the selvage edge farther away. The raw edge you’ll be cutting away will be to your left and the bulk of the fabric to the right. Left-handed cutters will have the raw edge to the right and the bulk of the fabric to the left.
Align the fold on a horizontal line with the raw edge extending beyond a vertical line.
Place a 6.5”x6.5” ruler on the bottom edge where you’ll be trimming away the fabric. Align it with a line on the cutting mat, making sure all of the raw edge will be removed when you cut. The raw edge will extend past the ruler and the bulk of the fabric will be under the ruler.
Butt a 6”x24” ruler against the smaller ruler, covering the raw edge. Align the edge of the ruler with the line you are going to use on the cutting mat.
Remove the square ruler and make your cut, leaving a clean edge. Dispose of the fabric you’ve cut off.
Leave your fabric on the mat to continue cutting strips.
If you are cutting many strips, refresh the cut edge every 5-6 cuts to keep the strips accurate.