The larger pieces of fabric I stand up. This is because I have trouble with my ribs due to a car accident and I don't have to do so much lifting to get the fabric I want. I adjusted the shelves on a bookcase to be the right height. Fat quarter are in drawers so that I can see the edge of each. Anything bigger than a FQ but smaller than 1 1/2 yd. is flat on a short shelf.