first cut it into manageable sizes, like into yard pieces. but are you cutting the whole 11 yards into 8" squares? or are you cutting borders & strips too? you could cut the fabric into the length you will need for your borders and set that aside, figure out the amount you need for your your squares and work with that size piece. fold it carefully making sure everything is lined up straight, you should be able to cut easily through 4-8 layers of cotton fabric if you have a new blade in your cutter.