I have 6 yards of fabric 42" wide. I need to cut 6 strips 2" wide. What is the best way to fold all the fabric after it is starched and ironed so it lays still while I cut the strips??
Illsa

If you need 6 2" strips, fold same as when you bought it, outter edges together, fold the whole length, have a couple of choices to make sure they are close to the straight of the grain Method 1 takes a quick cut and rip/tear, normally will tear on the straight of the grain, line this up and can cut using this as a guide. (will try to explain) the other you can pick up fabric pinch the 2 edges together botton move hands about 3 ft away if is off will see a corner to corner crease/dont know what to call it, but it can be seen, as the grain gets straightercan lay down and will be straight or close to it,.
Do you have a cutting board, ruler and rotary cutter?
if not straight line and pencil or chalk.

often fold like a fan after pressed, so don't have to unwind when ready to use.

Hope this helps :)

Fold it selvedge edges together (similar to how it came off the bolt), then accordion-fold the length.

About 2 feet works for me. Start at one end, fold at 2 feet, fold in the other direction at 2 feet, etc.

Here is a pretty good video on straightening up the fabric for cutting strips. Hope it helps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecpzw...eature=related

The most important thing when cutting strips is to make sure your fabric is laying flat. No little lumps or bumps anywhere. I then even up my edge and slice away after that. Also, the more folds you have give you a better chance of getting waves, so try and use the longest ruler you have for this.

i find it hard to work with a piece that big. i have to set the excess,that is not on the cutting board..on a chair..folded as best as i can.and bring it up as i cut it.
i try not to work,or cut longer lenghts than 2 yards. but that is just me.

Thank you You are the greatest!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Every suggestion was great.
Illsa

be sure and re straighten the cut about every 6". the ruler tends to slip just a minute amount so after about 6" of cut you should check the accuracy of the fold.

It is also a very good idea to unfold each strip after you cut it to ensure you aren't getting "dog legs". If you do have them that means your fabric isn't folded in half straight.