I don't cut my fabric, even the longer pieces. I'm afraid of how much I would waste if I cut it up. I hang the fabric pieces over the staircase and get the edges to line up. I prefer 3 yards or less, but the longer is doable. It's folded in half lengthwise and I've learned to adjust it so that the edges are even. I give it a sharp snap (like when you are folding sheets). I fold it by wrapping it around my 24" ruler, then slide the ruler out and fold the fabric roll in half. It stacks up quite nicely that way.