complete beginner:how to cut to fold

[eachpeachbarebum]

I haven't sewed for years and wasn't very good when I last tried! I have fabric to do a simple elasticated waist skirt for my dd. The pattern says to cut on the fold then cut the same piece again on the fold. I want to use the fabric economically. should I do a double fold or fold to the selvedge, cut and then fold up again? hope this makes sense! I need to draw a diagram maybe? what I want to avoid is to cut so there are just ends of fabric left if that makes sense?

It's difficult to say without seeing the fabric or knowing the width but I would usually, for a small person, fold the fabric into the centre and then have two folds. That is to say lay the fabric out, fold one salvage edge into the middle and then bring the other salvage into meet the first. Two double folds available.