"Is there another way to cut fat 1/8ths that allows for wider cuts?"
PamelaOry, I wash and dry my fabric and then cut the selvedge edges off. I measure 18 inches in from the cut off selvedge edge and cut. Then I cut it into 11 inch pieces. The scrap left on the folded edge is what I use to make my blocks for myself. I get 6 - 18" X 11" cuts from a yard with generous scraps left for me to use. I always buy 3 1/2- 4 yards of fabric for each group. This way, I know I can cut mine 18" X 11". This is just my way of cutting it. Everybody has their own way of doing it. Whatever works best for you.
I do my quilts the QAYG method. I plan on 30 12 1/2" blocks for each quilt and my 3 1/2- 4 yards of fabric gives me plenty to do all my extra blocks with.