you don't have to fold and cut it ALL at once. especially, if it doesn't want to lay straight. fold it in half length wise, for just say 20 inches. press it trying to get the selvages 2gether. cut ONE 9 inch strip to see, if your ironing and cutting is straight. make your 9 inch sq's out of only this 1st strip, to see if you are doing a good job. proceed one 9 inch strip at a time. you don't iron or fold until you get ready for the next 20 inches.