The next step in rotary cutting is usually cutting a strip. This strip can either be used in strip piecing - where strips are sewn together along their long sides and then these sewn strips are cut together - or the strips can be cut again into rectangles or squares as I show in the next section.

For this tutorial I cut 4.5-inch strips, but the same directions will apply regardless of the size of your particular strips.

Place your long ruler exactly 4.5-inches (or however wide you need your strips) from the left edge of the fabric. Make sure that the fabric's edge lines up with the 4.5-inch mark on the ruler along the entire length of the left side of fabric, from the fold to the selvage. Use the marks on the bottom horizontal edge of the ruler to make sure the folded side is also perfectly straight. If both the left side and the bottom folded size of the fabric are lined up correctly you're ready to cut your strip.

Note: The rotary rulers can seem confusing to measure with at first. One side starts with a 1/2-inch measurement and the other side starts with a whole inch. In addition to this there are a lot of numbers going in different directions. in the picture above notice that the fabric is lined up with the  4-1/2-ich mark but also an upside-down 2-inch mark. It's good to double check that you've lined up to the correct place before you cut. It takes a little practice to get the hang of it, but once you do, you'll appreciate all of the markings, I promise!

Cut your fabric from fold to selvage and you'll have a 4.5-inch strip.