How to fold fabric for storage?
 

I have started organizing my fabric, bought some comic book boards and plan to put fabric 1 yard and smaller on those. Otherwise I think it would get kind of thick.

How do you fold fabric above 1 yard , I have read about ruler folded and don't know what that is. If someone could describe how to properly fold the fabric that would help me out a lot. I will take before and after pictures of my 'mess', it is going to take me awhile to organize it all...just hit a month of sales at a shop that went out of business..spent $700, not sure what it would have cost me otherwise...but now should have all bases covered for needed fabric...ya right!

ruler folding is IMHO when you fold fabric selvage to selvage ( like off the bolt) grab a ruler (mines 6x24) and wrap the fabric around it - pull out the ruler and fold in half ..

I ruler fold anything less than 2 yards
3 yards i keep on the original bolts they came on from the lqs..

I ruler fold everything. For fabric greater than 1 yards I fold the fabric lengthwise twice -- selvage to selvage then fold to selvage, then I wrap the fabric around the 6x24 ruler. For 1 yard or less I do the same fold and wrap around a 3x18 or 4x18. For 3 yards or more I usually just fold selvage to selvage and wrap. I then stack the fabric flat on shelves.

I ruler fold also.

Was tute by Alaskansunshine?
 

I tried to find the tute for you - I was not successful... the tute was posted I believe by Alaskansunshine...does this sound right to anyone? She did a lovely tute on her folding method...I use her method and find it works very nice, you can easily see what you have in your stash.

Judy in Phx, AZ

My directions-take yardage and hold end (folded selvedge to selvedge just as it comes off the bolt) have yardage hang off table where you are standing...place long 6 or 6.5 ruler across fabric (about 4 inches down...fold that 4" over end of ruler (hold it tight) and flip ruler toward yourself ....now keep flipping ....I roll ALL of my yardage 6 or 7 yds even....when you get done flipping and all yardage is on your ruler....pull ruler out one end and fold fabric in half...you will be addicted!!!

Thanks I will have to try that method, I am loving the comic book boards, can finally see all my fat quarters, and small yardage so much better!

Here is the link for the tutorial right here on this board for the fabric folding ideas:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...om-t43871.html

This blog has a rather interesting approach to fabric folding. I had already purchased the comic boards and am well into folding that way. But I might have tried this method if I'd seen it first.
http://incolororder.blogspot.com/201...g-folding.html

Ooooh...this way will work for me! Nothing to buy.YAY! Thank you for posting this link. To sew or to fold, that is the question!?

I fold the fabric pretty for the shelf(think towel folds) and whatever way it fits for the drawers!

Weh hew Lucky you. I think I would have to roll in it for a while. LOL

My grandmother taught me to fold fabric for storage with the right sides together with only a small
corner to the outside (to view the color/pattern) to protect the fabric from sun damage,
fading, aging and dust.
What are everyone's thoughts on this?

I am not consistant on this. A couple of friends of mine go to the work of folding everything a yard or above in 4ths lengthwise, then folding it. This way, it is ready to go to the cutting mat just as it was stored.

Great tutorials. Thanks for posting them. I've been folding mine in a similar manner, just need to find some shelving so I can SEE what I've got. It's all stored in a deep dresser drawer right now and I have to sort of dig to the bottom and remove a stack to see what's in it. I'll be hitting the recycle bin in the garage for cardboard today to get started on alaskasunshine's method. At least if they're on cardboard, etc, I can stack them upright and see what's there, maybe even in two layers, since the drawer I'm using is so deep.

Nikki,

Thank you - don't know why I could not find this tute... I will bookmark it this time for reference...

Judy in Phx, AZ

I use the comic boards for up to about 3 yards--works fine.

Having worked in a fabric/quilt shop for a total of 18 years, I have folded 1000's of yards fabric every which way. I have my own favorite way which might not work for everyone. I don't even know how to describe how I do it. the pesky FQ's or long quarters I usually keep in a drawer of basket so they don't get lost in the bigger pieces. It is a personal choice on what feels the best to me (or you). My granddaughter wants to help me fill mynewly organized (with shelves) closet with my sewing stuff but since she is going away for spring break, I will hurry and finish before she gets back. Hope she is not too frustrated with me! lol

1. Does anyone precut strips of fabric -- ie, 2 1/2" wide by WOF for a future project when you can easily cut fabric with some free time easier than piecing a quilt? How do you store those strips to keep them neat, help prevent stretching or raveling, etc but still see what you have easily?
2. I like folding 1+ yard cuts but have used the plastic sheets which can be pricey. My stash has grown a lot in past year due to some great local sales so will look into comic boards. Can someone give me a link on where to purchase? May need at least 100-200! Thanks!

I ruler fold.

I used to fold like your grandmother but changed so that I could more quickly find the fabric I wanted. I keep my fabric behind closet doors to protect it from light, dust and my little dog.

Ruler folding is very nice and easy method to folding a fabric. I have very good fabric storage so I am always finding a way that is easy to storage. First you have to put your fabric to left and fold it to right and line up with ruler and after that start rolling and at the end slide the ruler and folded end to the fabric. It is very easy method. Hope you will get good information.

This was an easy way of folding and your right, nothing to buy.

i used Alaskasunshine's method a couple yrs ago, and organized all my material. works wonders. i bought 4 X 8 ft corragated sign board from a sign shop. yeah, i know, i spend tooooo much money, but it sure helped my sewing material get organized. think i got 3 boards, then went back when i needed another l or 2.
i had metal utility shelf units, so used those, and hang an old sheet down the front to keep the sun from getting to the material. am in a basement, but i still protect it from the l small window.