I agree with Kalama. I just used a 12 x 6 ruler to fold larger pieces. Used an empty Kleenex box for scraps of one color; smaller pieces and fat quarters went in the third row. All in one drawer by color.

Snooze 2978, Wow!!! I've been in fabric stores that didn't have as much.LOL

Recently organized my fabric and found the best way for me was to put the largest yardage on bolts from the fabric store and when I ran out of those, I ruler folded. I label the amount on a small piece of paper and pin it to the end. My DD complained about always stabbing herself on the pins, so I recently bought some of those plastic clips used on new shirts. Read about that idea here on QB and as I pull from the stash, I'll replace those pins with the plastic clips.

I like to organize them according to yardage so if I need 4 yards of something, I know right away which group has at least that much. I can then pick coordinating materials from the lesser yardage. I don't have a lot of FQ any more, I prefer to buy yardage, but those I do have get grouped together on the top shelf. Anything less than a FQ goes in shoe box sized see through plastic box by color to be used for applique or strip projects.

My batting has to live under the eaves (my sewing room is the attic). They fit in there length wise so I can see how much I have at a glance. But I do have a tote full of packaged batting and pillow forms.

And if the way I arrange it the first time doesn't work, I try something else.

I have yardage folded using a ruler and sorted by color except my batiks they are all together in one stack. I have my fat quarters in a large basket and the are on there sides so I can see what I have. As far as scraps mine are cut using Bonnie Hunters scrap user system and are just sorted by size. And current projects the fabric and pattern are stored in project bins with closeable lids.

I have a mix at the moment: fat quarters stacked in cd towers, 1-3 yards ruler folded, 4 + on bolts. Scraps are willy-nilly. I do have them mainly by strips or squares though.

My problem is separating by color. I'm a magpie for loud prints and can't always tell the main color.

What do you do if you have a stack from a particular collection? Or from different collections of the same designer? Or the same print in different colorways?

It makes me dizzy just thinking about it. : ) I get partially done and then just stack it all together in a semi-random pile again. Only my holiday fabrics really stay together whatever I do with the rest.

I've started measuring and writing the yardage on the selvage edge with permanent marker(with a scrap paper behind it to prevent any bleed). Then I fold yardage with that selvage facing up.

Edited to add if there isn't any selvage to use I do pin a small paper with the measurement on it in pencil.

Wow! Thank you everyone for your ideas and replies. My obvious need came while I have been getting fabric cut and ready to go sew with my friends out of state. I will do before pictures if you can stand the mess (kind of embarrassed) and then as it gets tidy when I get back in August.

I used to have a rule that I had to straighten for 15 min before sewing or working and that seemed to help me keep up.

I use the ruler fold method and mark the yardage with a sticky note. For special collections or fabrics specific to a certain project, I tie them together. Mark with a reminder note of the intended project.

We would love to see the B&A pics of your fabric re-do.

Wow Suz this looks great!

I do mine by color also. I do have separate areas for 1930s reproduction fabric, Civil War fabric, scenic beach type fabric, Christmas fabric, plaids all by color. It seems to be a constant reorganizing/regrouping of everything!

I've been thinking for a few days about ruler folding vs on boards. I've come to the conclusion (like prewash or not :)) it depends on your storage. I have a double door closet with deep shelving, standing up fabric would be an exercise in futility, I'd have to keep taking fabric out to get to the behinder.

with color stacks it takes less than a second to slide the blue and pull out the red, etc.