Straight up vs. Sideways
 

I folded my stash using the ruler method and have it all nicely put away in Ikea Cabinets...so nice. However, I've also seen where many people have used boards of some sort and wrapped the fabric in order to stand it on end like the bolts in the quilting store. Here's my question...does either method take the same amount of shelf space? It seems to me that piling vs standing on end would allow me to stash more fabric. Thoughts, anyone?

I would agree with you, that the piling uses the shelf space better. Of course, that is because that is how mine is. :) I have fabric stacked to the top of my shelves.

Dina

It would depend if width and height correspond with each other to be a good match.

I would agree with you - guess you would have to do both and let us know which took up less, be our tester.

I have some lateral and some vertical. The problem with lateral is usually the one I really want is either in the middle or toward the bottom. I really prefer lateral. I have some lateral and so much yardage that I have them on bolts.

I use both only because I ran out of boards. LOL my boards are 10 X 12. I was curious about this too so took a shelf that was full of boards, refolded everything using the ruler and it was about the same. I find the bolts easer to get to and I don't loose the short cuts in the pile.

i've never kept mine vertical. wish i could make my stash look like my very own LQS :)

In theory the only difference is the added volume of the board. I agree that the stand up is easier to remove what you want and gives you a bit more of the surface of the fabric to look at when stored. The best wasy is what works for you and your storage space. Fold in the manner that best fits the space you have.

I also wrap around my 6" ruler so if I forget to mark and can estimate the length of the piece of fabric by counting the number of layers.

I redid my fabric shelves and put it all on either coroplast or foam core boards. It took up almost exactly the same amount of space.