Originally Posted by Jo Belmont

For years I have used the ruler method of folding which requires no added supplies, is totally consistent and fits nicely on most shelves. I use a 6" wide x 24" long ruler.

Open fabric. Most is 40-odd inches wide and folded in half (= 20" wide +/-). Let fabric lay with the uncut end atop a table and the rest over the edge to the floor. Place ruler across the width of the fabric at the uncut end about 2-3" down. Fold over ruler. Hold fold in place and flip ruler over. Now do it again. Repeat to the end of the fabric piece, regardless how long it might be. You now have a folded piece of fabric 6-8" wide x WOF.

If it's even up to 5 yards (think backings), it can be folded in half so now the piece is only about 10-12" long x 6-8" wide. It will stack beautifully with the folded end exposed showing its color, print, etc. By it's very thickness, you can get an idea of about how much you have. If you're really counting inches, count the layers on the other end, divide by two, then times 6" (just to be very conservative; you'll likely have more if it's thick). That's about how many inches are in that folded pack.

This method also exposes the cut end first, so waste is a bit more controlled. Additionally, it keeps all the fabric pretty well flattened out, so after washing, I just get it right out of the dryer, fold in half lengthwise, then ruler fold. Cut off only the length you need and leave the rest folded to go back on the shelf. Now is when you iron what you're going to use.

I stack mine by main color groups with separate piles for stripes and borders, panels, large florals, kits, etc., and label them accordingly. That way, I can tell at a glance if I'm way overstocked on any one item/color or need to beef it up some.

It's a system that has proven itself for me year after year. You might want to consider it.