@SewRuthieSews I would look at getting a 9½ square ruler. That's big enough to cut or trim many sizes of blocks, but not so big as to be awkward in a limited space. Also it will give you a long enough edge to cut wider strips. EG if you needed an 8½ wide strip, you would use the square to measure 2½" in then place the long ruler against that edge, taking care not to nudge it over, and you can cut a long strip, iyswim. As @Stichin Time says, if you staying in the darkside, buy the same make of rulers, and add to them as needed.
At risk of hearing eggs being sucked
, if you're cutting folded fabric try to get it as straight as possible first or you may end up with V-shaped strips.