I think I know what you are saying, but not sure. I have the studio 2.5' strips, 5 strips across (12.5" total width cutting strips). I cut several 13.5" strips from the length of the fabric, fold them together lengthwise, press the fabric at the folds, and place it on the die so that I have about .5" extra on the outer edges of the length of the die. I get 5 sets of strips with one cut. I don't think the waste is excessive, and I have friends who take the thin .5" strips and use them as filling for dog beds, so, from my perspective, no real waste at all.
I press at the folds because it seems to minimize elbows at the fold lines.
Fan folding doesn't work as well for me.
Last edited by cathyvv; 06-25-2016 at 06:31 PM.