if you have a big table - slide the mat under the fabric - but lots of people have limited space in which to work
IF I have extra fabric and i have to cut a REALLY long strip - like for a border - once in a while I'll tear it and neaten it up with the rotary cutter later.
I don't exactly recommend this method - but - you will find that there are several ways to accomplish things
Every once in a while when I'm cutting I realize that I've got a V going in my strips - so it is good to unfold your strips to make sure that they are still straight -
Someone mentioned earlier that how you fold your fabric to begin with is crucial - it is