Lay the 5 1/2 yd piece out on the floor (leave it folded selvage to selvage) and measure the length you require with a tape measure. Put a pin in selvage edge to mark this place. With the fabricl still folded matching selvage edges, fold again - lengthwise. Put the folded piece (should now be a bit more than 10") on your mat lining up selvage edge along a horizontal line on the mat & then use your ruler to make the cut.
Originally Posted by almostfree
I have some backing fabric for a quilt I am doing for my husband, but it is like 5 1/2 yards long. I have cut the piece in half (width) and I need to piece the back together, so I need to cut about 12 inches off each l-o-n-g side (length). But I only have a 24" cutting mat and ruler, so logistically how to I cut a straight line down the long edge? <Is this as clear as mud?> I'm sure some of you veteran quilters can offer some advice for me. Thanks so much!