I use a paper towel tube cut lengthwise to hold rolled big patterns (my calendar quilts for example). Wrap the tube around the middle of the rolled item and it won't unroll. Martha Stewart is such an organizer....
I also use paper towel tubes and toilet paper tubes to store appliqué stems so they don't unfold. With short appliqué pins, I pin one end into the tube, wrap snugly but without distorting the stem, and then pin the other end. The stems stay nice and crisp and folded until I am ready to use them.