I've been considering getting some of these boards, but as nice as they look, it doesn't look like you can fit as much fabric onto a shelf as you can if it were just folded. For instance, in the photo below, there are about 30 different fabrics on each shelf. I doubt if I could fit 30 boards of fabric in the same space, but don't know this to be true. Has anyone else switched and can tell me the space conversion?

Love your organization and pretties.

I don't know but I want to come and play in your room. What beautiful fabrics.

I see a lot of fabrics in your stash that I also have in mine!!!!
Don't know about the boards. I don't use them. My thought is also that you could not get as much fabric on a shelf. Mine is folded nice and neat and can easily see what's there. Your shelf looks that way too. I can't see, for myself, spending that kind of time, or money to wrap my thousands of yards of fabric on boards.

Yeah, and it would be a pain to rewrap everything. I use the ruler-fold technique, and it is fast and easy with no need to double-fold the fabric like you have to do with the boards. Thanks, JG.

I guess that the advantage would be since they are standing on end it would be easier to pull out the fabrics instead of having to try and work out something from the bottom. I just don't think you could put as much fabrics on the shelf.
I wrap my larger pieces around the 6" ruler, and the smaller ones I just fold to about 4" wide.

Ask the OP of the thread below (she sells them):

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-94172-1.htm

NAYY.

MTS: This could get extremely expensive if you have hundreds of different fabrics. Even with her great deal. I personally would rather spend my money on more fabrics.

What is the ruler-fold technique?

I would think you get more fabric per shelf, the way you have it stacked. It looks like you are utilizing more of the whole shelf :D:D:D

You wrap the fabric around a 6" or 6.5" or 8" ruler. Slip the ruler out, and then fold it for placement/stacking on your shelf or in a bin.

By using the ruler, you make sure that all yardage will be the same width, and there stack on your shelves in a much more orderly fashion.

Think of the way the t-shirts are so nicely stacked at The Gap. Same concept.

I have a bunch of them but I don't put any thing shorter than 3 yards on them. I have 27 on one shelf.

Hi everybody -
I sell the coroplast boards on this site. Here are the facts the way I know them. My shelves are deeper than yours look. I can get two rows of boards on each shelf. The taller in the back and can clearly see both. I'm not sure the depth of your shelves, so if you can't get two sizes on one shelf you would lose shelf space. If you can get at least 13" of depth you can handle 2 sizes on each shelf. The boards are just under an eighth of an inch thick so ultimately they do add to space consumption that way. The trade off for me is that I can pull them out easily and not have to touch or dishevel its neighbor. I can roughly tell how much of each one I have based on the size of the board that I have it on. I can put fabrics in working sets sometimes all on one board by folding the corner down lower each time which displays all the fabrics on that one board then I tuck the pattern in the fold and it's protected from me accidentally using it elsewhere. I think it's much easier to add new fabric (If you sort them by color etc.) To borrow MTS's great analogy, I would rather see my fabric look like a fabric store upright than stacked like T-shirts at the Gap. And what I mean by that is I see the fabric/pattern better in a vertical setting. I guess for me and my customers it's mostly: 1. the ease of removing fabrics and replacing them and 2. being able to approximate the quantity based on the size board used.

But maybe it's really just a matter of what works best for your set up or your visual preference. (I also like to run my hand across the row of fabric - just to feel it). I think the verdict has to be - to each his own.

I hope that you will at least try one or two sets perhaps to see if it's something you would value. Don't know if I helped or just confused you. PM me if you have any specific questions - I don't bite.

Oh Gai, I just noticed you're in Houston - so am I. Hey if you want to try them I'll be happy to loan you a couple, three sets and if you like them great - if not - bring them back. Your option. I'm real easy here and have absolutely no problem if you want to test drive some :)
Hugs,
Gayle

Well, I would only use the larger boards, not the medium or smaller. I seldom buy less than 2 yards of fabric, and while I have FQ's, I have them in a closet where I forget about them! On second thought, when I do buy FQ's, I usually buy at least 4 of them! LOL. And my shelves are about 12 inches deep.

I may go ahead and get a set of boards, just to see how they would work. I live in Spring Branch, but I work in Conroe, so pass Spring whenever I work. I'll PM you. Thanks!

Gai

Sure it could. But the OP asked.

Personally, I wouldn't use them for smaller cuts of less than 2 yards (as someone else mentioned upthread). But it's always a possibility. Right now, the shelving units I'm using are way too big to make that work. Plus, I really, really, like my large bin storage system. All 120 of them. ;-)

If you look at the OP's bookcase, unless she added another shelf for every two, there would be a lot of wasted space. And if you stack them like she has her folds, it doesn't make the mass any more manageable.

If one was to go this route, I think it would be beneficial only if they were upright.

But then here's another (cheaper) option that just popped up - some further investigation is warranted:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-100450-1.htm

I agree totally! IMHO, not that there is anything wrong with purchasing coroplast or any other of the numerous types of fabric folding devices.....I just think that there are so many things out there we don't really need. We got along for years and years without them and nothing happened to our fabrics. I feel sad for the newer quilters that feel they need all of this stuff when they first start quilting and may have limited funds when all they really need is fabric, thread and a sewing machine that does a nice straight stitch.

I did investigate these comic book boards before I started making mine. The problem with the comic book boards is that they are far too flimsy. They fold in half very easily. Some are acid free though and that's good. Think of them as FQ cardboard inserts. They are about that thin (very little support). But, again I suppose it's a personal choice. I think anyone who wants to try them should. Just bookmark us in case you decide to upgrade to something much more sturdy.

MTS you're absolutely correct. They really should be used upright. On another note, those smaller boards are nice to have because those seem to be the ones you "go through" the most looking to match your main fabric. Also, you can approximate how much you have just by looking at it sitting on the shelf. There aren't too many storage methods that allow you to do that. (And they fit nicely into drawers.)

Quiltmaker, I really do love my boards and the way my fabric looks. It is more inspiring to me to have the visual I now have. I've used plastic bins, tubs, bags, ruler folding, and stacking. My preference is the boards. I do agree with you completely about newbies - they should buy fabric, thread, templates before storage items unless their using cardboard (and some are).

GAI,
Sent you a PM with my cell number - I'll be happy to meet you with a couple of sets so you can try them out. If you don't choose to, that's OK too.
Gayle

This was just my cheap way of organizing my stash. I had
a flood in my house and had to pack up everything to paint
and new carpet. Luckly in my sewing room everthing was up. So all was fine. I packed in cardboard boxes. So after I
empty a box I cut the cardboard up to the sizes as those
commercial sizes boards. I figure the quilt shops have their fabric on cardboard. So I am now folding and ironing all
of my fabric. Shocker my stash was this big. I guess I didn't want to admit how it had gotten out of control. But
now it will be upright like the quilt shops and I can see
easier what I have. With cotton going so high I figure the
time I have invested will save dollars in the long run.

why would you want to change it looks nice and organized now I think we are working on organizing we should just work on using up this fabric.

I use cardboard(like the back of a tablet) its' all acid free and I can fit tons of fabric on my shelves

I have 53 on a shelf that is 32" wide. Some of the fabric lengths are 1 yd, but most are 2 yds or more.

Don't buy boards, go to Joanns and get there free boards. Mark them into 3rds and have your husband cut them for you. You can cover the cut edge with masking tape. My husband made mine for me.

My husband made my boards. Go to Joanns and get their empy boards cut into 12 in boards put masking tape on the cut edge.

Mom and I just re-organized but we found some posterboard at the dollar store. I got about 3 big ones and 4 little ones out of each sheet to use as fabric bolts.We had tons of fabric. After organizing it made our stash look smaller. ( guess we will have to go hit the fabric shops for a few days..LOL).So, I guess what I am trying to say is, Yes it does give you more room on your shelves.I'll see if I can find a picture and show you. Some boards have up to 6 or 7 yards on them.

Yeah, but like mine, you have your fabric stacked vertically rather than horizontally. If it were all stacked horizontally, it wouldn't fit in the same amount of space, would it?

I purchased a set recently, loved them, and have since ordered two more sets. It's so much easier and neater when pulling out the fabrics. My fabrics were set up like yours, but it was always difficult to keep it looking that way after pulling out a few fabrics and getting them back in. I really like the boards, however it really is a matter of preference. Yours looks great as is; the boards just make it a bit easier and neater for me.

I love quilting gadgets but try to justify that they really do help me. I just don't get the boards. Seems like a needless expense. I, too, fold my fabric around a 6" ruler and they are beautifully stacked in my cabinet...Save the money...buy more fabric.

Get a two foot tall stack of 3 yard cuts and pull one out of the middle or off the bottom. I can't imagine folding 3 yards that small and expecting the stack to be stable.

I don't need more fabric. I need the fabric I do have to be more accessible. I can pull a mini bolt of fabric out of the shelf and not disturb any of the other fabrics on the shelf. That's very nice.

I haven't seen the boards being mentioned here although I think they look nicer than what I use. Will stick to what I use though as it is cheap (free)- I collect used bolt boards from my LQS and cut them in half as they are too long otherwise, tape the cut ends up and presto, I have bolt holders. Doing things this way I don't get as much fabric in the shelves as I would if I folded like yours but am happier anyway as it is easier to pull them out keeping the rest tidy.

Maybe1day

I have purchased the core boards from M.I.Late and am in the process of putting all of my stash on the boards. I just placed my second order with her to finish the job. I'm a fan of the boards for many reasons; easy to see what I have, can group fabric by theme or color, takes up less room, know how much of each I have, etc. Do believe it is a individual thing, not everyone will like them; but those of us who like the idea know that Gayle is offering a terrific deal. On that note, a member said she purchased the core board from the hardware store and made her own. I bought two sheets at $9.48 for a 24 x 36 sheet, an investment of $18.96. My husband measured and cut, not the easiest stuff to cut, and I got nine large boards out of each sheet so that makes each board quite pricey. Three boards fron each sheet were large, in order to use every inch of material, and I used those to hold ten yards of fabric. It worked great, but the cost was greater. Also the cuts, while my DH did a terrific job, were not as perfect as the ones I purchase from Gayle. This is a case where I'm sure practice would perfect the technique, but it is still not economical.

So to sum up, I'm a big fan of the boards for reasons I've stated. I will post a picture of my completed stash along with "before" pix. I really splurged on my stash at the end of the year with all the clearance sales, but it really needs organizing. I tried all different kinds of folds, but couldn't really see my collection the way I wanted to be able to. I also am a book collector and so it just followed that having my fabric as neatly arranged as my books would work for me.

You should do research if you decide to try the board method. I tried three different retailers (and my DIY try) and the most economical, best product, and satisfaction is with Gayle's, M.I.Late, product.

If you have any questions I'd be happy to share my experiences.

I have my fabric on coreplast but it is from the local sign shop . a lot of times they will give it to you , but if youo want it a certain size they will charge. My cabinets are deep so I have some that stays on the original bolts then the others go on shorter pieces of plastic. I like how you have your fabric but I do enjoy having mine so I can look and get it out easier for me . BESURE to round the corners of the sign plastic it will cut you if you do not.

Yes, you would be able to get more as the fabric isn't folded over so many times, so it's thinner. My boards are about the size of 8 x 11 inches, you might need larger shelving though. Mine are on a bookcase.
Blessings,
MaryAnna

The ease in getting them out and back in makes it worth it to me - and I used foam core which takes up even more room. Fortunately, I have enough space. In your case, you would need adjustable shelves so you could have some narrow vertical spaces, because it looks like you have a lot of FQs. My shelves are adjustable, so I have some narrow spaces for my FQs. I'd show pictures, but I'm in AZ, and I'm talking about my CT sewing room. The AZ one is a book shelf in a closet LOL.

I bought foam core at the $ store - 2/$ and cut 4 from each sheet. The sheets are 20 X 30, so I cut them 7 1/2 X 20 - used the rotary cutter I use for paper.

What is the ruler-fold technique? :?:

Another plus for the boards. I had a piece of material, about 3 yards, and thought it looked like one I had wrapped two days before. So just looking at the fabrics I have wrapped I found it right away and added the additional piece. If the material had still been stored in my old way it would have taken much longer to find.

Why did I have two pieces of the same fabric? When I find something that I love I try to accumulate as much of it as I can afford and can find. This particular piece is going to be a quilt for my great-niece's first big girl bed and I knew right away that it was the perfect pattern.

I am also curious as to what the ruler-fold technique is?

Ah, thank you. So far I'm very happy with how my boards are working out. Still have a few gazillion yards to wrap, but think I'll really like having it all organized so I can see what I have.

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I've got the old dog part right and now to work on learning the tricks.