I store my fabric in a bookcase. I am trying to stack it so it "looks better." I have fabric in all sorts of lengths....from one yard to 3 yards.

Is there some sort of uniform folding technique I could use? I am "organizing," or attempting to, and I would like it to look at least fairly good for awhile.

Suggestions?

I fold mine in half and then wrap it around an 8 1/2" x 24" ruler. It would also work with the 6" x 24" ruler.

I'm in the process of reorganizing mine too so I will be interested in what others say.

Here's a Youtube video that helped me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkTlaMqRlwo

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43871-1.htm
This is pretty neat looking.

I fold my fabric selvage to selvage adjusting it left to right to get the grain as straight as possible, then fold in half again bringing the lengthwise fold down to the selvage, roll the length around an omnigrid ruler, pull the ruler out then stack my fabrics by color on shelves. Folding the fabric this way allows me to roll out a portion of the fabric and rotary cut off the amount I need with as little handling of the fabric as possible.

I shove mine into crates and get them out and rummage around and stuff it back and get it out again and.........

AnnieH--I just shove mine in plastic tubs too until I'm ready for it!

That's my system too!

This is what I do too, fold the fabric selevedge selevedge and then roll it over my 6.5x24 ruler. This way all fabrics will have the same width, height depends on how much yardage. When I stack them by colors and put them in my clear drawer storage cabinets with the fold showing, they look so neat and it is easy to see without opening the drawer, and I can also estimate how much fabric I have based on the thickness without getting out...love this system.

Also, I use a smaller ruler to fold my FQs.

I fold my fabric, quarter yards and up on a 4x12 ruler, and lay them in the drawer so that I can see the edges of all the fabrics.

I'm so glad you asked! LOL I love showing mine off since I organized it! It was a job but I did it alll by myself!~

MMMM mine is currently in a "pile" since I have been stash building from sooo many wonderful sales on here and LQS... have been sooo naughty...hoping DH doesn't open "that" door.

Okay, thanks! I have several good ideas....now to see what works best for me.

I fold mine around the 6" x 24" ruler and then fold it in 3rds to fit the depth of the shelves. I got the cardboard flats from Hancocks for free and cut them the height I needed to keep the stacks divided. The reds and black and whites have been neaten recently but the pinks, etc haven't had anything done for quite a while. My shelves go from floor to ceiling with only room for my washer and dryer.

Wow you all are making me feel quilty ! Got to get folding now I know an easy way with my rulers !!! anything 1 yd or over better look out !!!!

I wrap my fabric around the 6.5 x24 ruler than fold in half it looks so pertty on the shelfs.

***This is what I do too, other than mine sit on a Huge Book shelf.

Up to today, mine was stored in a 12" deep bookcase to store my fabric. I would fold the fabric so that it was in 1/2 yd lengths, then folded lengthwise in thirds and finally in half length wise. I then put the fold out on the shelves.

Today I am moving the stash into a new 17" deep shelving unit. Haven't figured out what I am doing there! lol

Polly, I really like your method of putting the cardboard thing between your stacks. It keeps everything in it's own pile. No falling over into the next pile. Although it doesn't take up much room at all, I had a brain storm of using coathanger wires cut to length and little holes drilled top and bottom to pop them into.
I have got to get my fabrics organized. It has gotten to the point where I can't be creative.

I've taken coated corrugated cardboard (acid free) and cut it to fit my shelves. Here's a before and after shot of my messy shelves, and my organized shelves...

I use the ruler fold way. Works for me.

Am in the process of using the Easy Cores as sold by M.I.Late on our Quilting Board. They are so handy. She sells 3 sizes. They make it easy for the fabric to stand up like a book instead of stacked. Do a SEARCH for more information.

Here's a tip for getting the folded fabric in/out of the shelves. To put the fabric on top of the stack on the shelf, place the folded fabric on the ruler. Slide the ruler in the shelf on top of the stack. Then hold the fabric in place as you slide the ruler out. To get fabric off the stack, lift the front of the selected fabric up and slide the ruler under the fabric. Then hold the stack in place under the ruler and slide the ruler and fabric off the stack.

I've gone to this method too. It works great.

Love all of your pictures! I really like seeing how other folks stack/combine/fold their fabrics. Mine needs a little sprucing up...and these pictures are just the thing to get me going!

I have 2 sets of wire drawers (6"-7" deep x 7 drawers) which are full of all sorts of sizes, separated by colors. Currently only backings and UFO's are in the closet. But now, I think I've gathered so many small pieces (1/2" or less), that I'm considering moving anything larger to the closet shelves in order to make more room in my drawers. This should allow for more space, and lightening the load of the drawers, which are crammed full. I have no where to add some new fabrics I've purchased! Yes, the ole 'out of space' issue :)

I, too, use a folding method that I've been doing for years that is much like the ruler method, only without a ruler...becuase that is what fits in my space. I like this method alot.

Let's see more pictures! It's so motivating. (I wish my camera wasn't broke, I'd show mine...even messy!)
Debbie in Austin

Ruler for me, too! Don't want to use money for boards that I could use for more fab!

Hardest part is folding long lengths but eventually you'll get the idea.

Good idea would be to loosely measure and pin a note to the fold to know how much you have. Took me three days to fold but so glad I did.

However my stuff is in tubs and need to refold.

All very nice tips, Thank You

I fold mine in half lengthwise (there will be 4 layers of fabric) then I wrap it with a 12x6" ruler and slide the ruler out. No matter how many yards of fabric I have this gives me a uniform size of fabrics folded on my shelves.

brosier...I am the most unappealing shade of green imagineable! Your organizational skills rock!!!

Thanks - it took a bit of doing because the room is so small, but I love it now.

Brosier, I notice you are "in hiding", probably in your sewing room! I love your machine covers...I need to get busy and make some.

Yes - they're easy and really keep the machines cleaner so they require little service. I've finally managed to make 1 for the MB4, too. Yes - I seem to spend most of my time here in the sewing room. Love to sew!

ps - I was born in Oklahoma City, but I live in Mesquite TX. Southern Oklahoma is pretty close, right?

brosier I love your sewing room. it is sooo nice and organized. wish that i had a space for my stuff. I share the dinning room.

I have been using the ruler-fold method for about 4 years now. Works great for me.

http://turningturning.com/tutorial-folding-fabric/

The one in this link is very nice looking!

This is the method I use (but I hadn't seen the video). I also use the same kind of container but I fold the fabric enough times to fit upright like she did the small pieces. That way you can see what you have at a glance without flipping through fabrics. It takes more containers but well worth it. Has worked well for me and the containers are not very expensive.

really pretty - and really neat! love it.

I've been cutting cardboard 6x10 and wrapping mine around them. Its looking good but cutting the board is a real pain. going to share pictures once I'm organized

I fold mine in triagles if there one yard are more