I bought 5m of 100% cotton drill today. I intend to make a wrap carrier. Had a play with it and the length is just about perfect, but it is way too wide (110cm). Folded in half it was about right. So I obviously need to cut it down.

How do I do that, keeping it nice and straight and how wide should it be?
How much extra do I need so I can hem one side?

I've never used a sewing machine before, but I do have one that I was gifted last year. So any help you can offer with that would be much appreciated!

The lady at the shop said the other long side doesn't need heming, but would you do it any way for the sake of looks or do you think it won't be noticable?

I also want to dye it as its white and won't stay that way for long. Do I need to do that before I hem it or can it wait until I have bought the dye and find somewhere to do it?

Eta- do I need tho wash it first or should I wait till it's hemmed?

I'm scared to do anything with it in case I stuff it up