An original by Terry

Sharp tools!  Make sure that your cutting tool is sharp, no matter if it is a rotary cutter or scissors.  Small nicks in a rotary cutter can cause problems in that if it does not cut all the way through, there is the chance that it will become misaligned as you try to make the cut go through the fabric, either by trying to pull it or re-cutting.

Pre-wash the fabric.  This can help in the cutting process by allowing you to align the fabric, selvage to selvage, then folding it in half.  The fold in the fabric straight off the bolt does not mean that the fabric is aligned correctly.  In fact, most times, it is misaligned.  Once the fabric is washed and folded, press the fold.

Start with a clean, even edge.  Once the fabric is aligned, it is time to cut the edge.  This can be accomplished by first laying the fabric on a flat surface, with the fold closest to you and the aligned selvages away from you.  Snip the fabric close either edge on the fold.  If you are right-handed, snip the left edge, and vice-versa.  Once you snip it, then tear the fabric from the fold to the selvages.  Tearing it assures that it will clean up on the straight of grain.  Once done, realign the selvages, place the folded side of the fabric closest to you, and smooth it out (press it before placing it on the flat surface, if it needs it).  Using an acrylic ruler, align a straight, marked line with the fold, leaving approximately 1 inch of fabric past the side of the ruler, then cut.  Use this edge to cut the rest of the fabric.  Check the alignment of the ruler with the edge of the fabric every few cuts to make sure that it remains clean and even.

Layering fabric.  The safest way to assure that your cuts are clean is to not cut more than the two (2) layers created by placing it on the flat surface with the fold closest to you.  Notice that I said "safest".  It is also the slowest.  It is possible to fold the fabric once more, bringing the selvages up to the fold.  Should you decide to do this, make absolutely sure that there are no creases or mini-folds within the fabric.  If not careful, multiple layers can cause the little jags on the other folds.

Cutting multiple same-size strips.  If cutting strips that are all the same size, you can speed the cutting up by placing a piece of tape on top of the ruler on the edge of the size you need.  This way, instead of having to search for the measurement each time, you can simply align the tape with the edge of the fabric.  This visually makes the cutting easier and faster.  COMMENTS:  Kathy recommends using painter's tape on the back side of the ruler; this allows the ruler to slide right next to your fabric, making alignment easier and faster.

Stabilizing the acrylic ruler.  If the ruler is not firmly held in place and is allowed to slip and slide, this can cause cuts to be uneven.  There are items that can be used to help stabilize the ruler, including pre-made sandpaper dots that stick to the underneath side of the ruler or you can also simply fold tape back on itself (or use double-sided tape) and stick it to the back. 

Acrylic ruler maintenance.  Over time, acrylic rulers can sustain damage that may look minor, however it can add up to spell disaster if there is enough damage to cause the measurements to be off, even an eighth of an inch.  Add to this the fact that your "straight edge" is no longer straight and it compounds the problem.   COMMENTS:  Valerie recommends keeping a careful eye on the acrylic ruler to make sure it is free of nicks and/or shaved off bits of the ruler.