Rhonda K

Just a few questions to determine your best storage method.

First, are you using the available shelf space to full potential? Is there empty space above the fabric boards? Can you move the current shelves? How deep are the current shelves? Do you want to ruler fold or actually roll the fabrics into rolls?

I ruler fold on a 6 1/2 inch ruler and then fold in half. Fabric pieces are approx 11 inches deep and stacked on a 16 inch wire shelf in the closet.

Can you post a picture of the current space? Perhaps we can help you with more suggestions.

bunbytes

I have over 2500 comic book boards with fabric on them. (She who dies with the most fabric . . .) I love them. I can easily see what fabric I have and they take up much less room. I highly recommend it.

sewbizgirl

Plan to do lots of ironing once you unroll it.

I think comic book board storage offers a lot more visibility.

Jo Belmont

I have found that using the 6X24" ruler folding method has several advantages. I've done it for years in several locations/set-ups, many with limited space. Advantages:

1. You can take fabric directly out of the dryer, fold in half lengthwise and fold around ruler WITHOUT IRONING. It keeps the fabric from wrinkling and you only have to iron the size you cut off for the current pattern.

2. No need to unfold to calculate approximately how much yardage you have. Simply count the number of layers on the fabric fold end X 6" and you'll come out pretty close.

3. Stack by color group (reds/pinks; purples/lavenders/maroons; yellows/golds/oranges, etc.) AND specialty groups (landscape textures; Holidays; juvenile, etc.).

4. If a particular stash color or specialty needs replenishing, a quick look-see reveals that without having to disrupt anything.

5. Takes the least space of any other methods I've tried and fits most "standard" shelf depths and heights.

Hope this helps.

LaurMac

I had to use a wooden shelf, so I made shelves between 3 sections - narrower, but I put folded yardage in the really narrow parts ( I am not a good carpenter!), and fabric on comic book covers standing up on others.

Friday1961

[As someone who has accumulated a large stash and regrets it....]

Me, too...and I don't have a roomful of fabric, just an Ikea Billy bookcase full. But it has kind of begun to haunt me. I think I'll never get it all sewn up, and I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed by it. I've seen fabric at estate sales -- and have been gifted with some by my children who attended such sales -- and I don't want mine to end up like that. Silly? Yes. But if I had to do over.......

....although, who am I fooling? I'm not sure I acquired this stash as a "stash" but simply because I am attracted to fabric. I see and buy it because I like it, without having the least idea what I'm going to use it for, as I did before I began quiltmaking, back when my sewing consisted of making clothes. It's like buying books -- my resistance has always been low!

SillySusan

As another one with a stash that is soooo out of control, I would suggest that you sew as fast as you can and use this wonderful fabric instead of wasting time figuring how to store it. ... and join our QB's moratorium's thread to begin "shopping" your stash instead of buying more of that magnificent fabric. Just speaking from painful experience.

flikkem

I am so glad you posted this because I have used this method for several years now too and it is hard to beat. I love it and have shared it with friends.

Kelsie

I have bought rolled fat quarters and especially over time I think you get more distortion of the fabric than if it is folded.

SusieQOH

I'm another one who likes comic book boards because of the visibility.
I remember though, I used to roll towels instead of folding them and I was able to fit more in the linen closet. I don't know where I heard about it or why I stopped. Your post reminded me of it!