I used the 8 1/2 by 11 for short length's of fabric...1 yd to 3 yrds. Bought 8 1/2 x 11 foam boards from ULine to pick larger lengths on. I absolutely love the results of this way to store. You can see immediately what you have and avoid purchasing something new when you had something that will do. Got the suggestion from this blog and am very happy with it.