Great replies for an old problem, I get dog legs when I don't realign after 3 or 4 strips. If I slow down I get more done correctly.

You have to be sure that the fabric is lined up on the straight of grain. Many times the edges are not cut evenly at the fabric store. One way to check this out is take a piece of fabric - about 1/2 yard by width of fabric. LIne up the selvedges. Hold the fabric up and grab it with your fingers. Move the selvedges from side to side and look at how the fabric shifts near the center fold. Don't focus on the edges. When the fabric lies perfectly straight without wrinkles you have it lined up correctly. Place the fabric down on the mat, being careful not to shift it. The take a ruler and trim off the edge. Be sure you have the ruler perpendicular to the fold. This should eliminate the "dog leg" or as some people call it, the dreaded "V"

Thanks ladies i too have wondered about this as i always seem to get dog legs you guys are the greatest

I do like the Lea Day video but I add one more fail safe method, I rip down lenghtwise about 1/2 inces in from the selvage. When you fold the edges meet and you wiggle as in the video you will be square.

Totally agree. Except I used a 50% coupon and sprung for the 23" that has cutting slots at 2 1/2" increments so you do not have to do a second fold. It has saved me yards of fabric, not to mention aggravation! JoAnns ships it in a flat cardboard container that is great for storage.

Other helpful tips: I have watched Marianne share with Mary on Fons and Porter to use smaller widths/lengths of fabric to eliminate this problem - so this may be a "partial solution." Another option would be the jelly rolls that are precut. Sharp rotary blades also help. The gripper tool helps with keeping the ruler tight. The small sandpaper discs on the backs of ruler help keeping the ruler from sliding.

You don't need fancy tools or explanations of the technique - Holice has said it all. Best method by far.

I have the large Shapecut and LOVE it! It helps tremendously!

I press the piece so there is no fold down the middle. Then I hold selvage to selvage and adjust it side to side until the piece hangs without wonk. That is the point where I lay it on the cutting mat and smooth it down. I fold the bottom half on the top half aligning with the selvage and trim off the side. I have never had dog legs that way.