This photo is from Moda Bakeshop, which I saw on Pinterest. Beautiful, isn't it? I have been toying with ideas on how to better organize my fabric stash for some time now. My husband put together several metal shelving units for me to store my fat quarters and bundles, which are in labeled plastic bins. I need something different for the larger cuts of fabric however, and am intrigued with the idea of folding the larger pieces on cardboard or plastic boards such as you see in the photo above.
I love the concept of storing fabric in this way. You can see what you have, it looks like it is its own little store, you don't have to keep refolding it after you cut some, and the cardboard or plastic are both acid free and reusable. No more messy, leaning over towers of fabric, no more totally losing track of what you have on hand.
Now, I could really use your advice. Do any of you store your larger cuts of fabric on these boards? Do you have a preference for the cardboard commonly called "Comic Book Boards", or have you bought the heavier duty plastic boards?
Here is what I have learned:
Carboard "comic book boards". You can buy 100 of these on amazon.com for under $11.
The Fabric Organizer by DeNiece's Designs. You can buy 100 of these plastic boards for $176. Yes, that's right. One hundred seventy six dollars.
Have you tried either of these products? What do you think? Is there any justification on earth for buying the tremedously more expensive plastic ones?
62 responses to “Massive Reorganization”
Love the idea of the comic book boards. Thankyou
Love the idea of the comic book boards. Thankyou
I have my fabrics folded about the width they were on the bolt and stacked on shelves. It is sometimes a hassle to pull out the fabric I want without disturbing its neighbors but the shelves aren’t too far apart, so there’s not much weight pressing down. I can see what I have very easily.
Methinks you could buy a whole lot of comic boards for what the plastic ones cost. It irks me when something as cheap as plastic is gets priced so high.
One of the better ideas I got from a guest speaker at quilt guild was this: When you get your new fabric home, press out the folding wrinkles but leave it folded in half as it came off the bolt. If you’re right handed, begin at the far right end of the fabric cut, folded edge in front of your tummy, then fold the fabric the width you prefer, smoothing it after each fold until you get to the far left end of the fabric cut. Reverse this if you’re left handed. Now fold it in half and put it on your shelf. You can clearly see the folded edge of the fabric. When you want to cut some of it, unfold the fabric on your cutting table, and simple unroll your neatly folded fabric once or twice (folded edge nearest your tummy as usual) and cut what you need. Fold the remaining fabric up and put it back on the shelf. So many fabric shops fan-fold the yardage and that’s a bother when cutting later.
Happy choosing!
Hugs!
I have my fabrics folded about the width they were on the bolt and stacked on shelves. It is sometimes a hassle to pull out the fabric I want without disturbing its neighbors but the shelves aren’t too far apart, so there’s not much weight pressing down. I can see what I have very easily.
Methinks you could buy a whole lot of comic boards for what the plastic ones cost. It irks me when something as cheap as plastic is gets priced so high.
One of the better ideas I got from a guest speaker at quilt guild was this: When you get your new fabric home, press out the folding wrinkles but leave it folded in half as it came off the bolt. If you’re right handed, begin at the far right end of the fabric cut, folded edge in front of your tummy, then fold the fabric the width you prefer, smoothing it after each fold until you get to the far left end of the fabric cut. Reverse this if you’re left handed. Now fold it in half and put it on your shelf. You can clearly see the folded edge of the fabric. When you want to cut some of it, unfold the fabric on your cutting table, and simple unroll your neatly folded fabric once or twice (folded edge nearest your tummy as usual) and cut what you need. Fold the remaining fabric up and put it back on the shelf. So many fabric shops fan-fold the yardage and that’s a bother when cutting later.
Happy choosing!
Hugs!
I like to store my yardage color coordinated in nice flat folds. I wrap them all same size around a ruler, then pull ruler out to use on next fabric yardage. I keep my fabrics in the dark while not in use. I’ve seen what light does to fabric after time. I have a friend that would keep a sheet over her stash so the light wouldn’t fade the folds. She could remove sheet and admire it while she was actually in the room playing.
I like to store my yardage color coordinated in nice flat folds. I wrap them all same size around a ruler, then pull ruler out to use on next fabric yardage. I keep my fabrics in the dark while not in use. I’ve seen what light does to fabric after time. I have a friend that would keep a sheet over her stash so the light wouldn’t fade the folds. She could remove sheet and admire it while she was actually in the room playing.
I use the comic boards and love them! Mine just happened to fit perfectly inside an empty dresser and and I also have some on shelves. I use them for my rainbow stash – blenders – and it makes it so easy to open a drawer and pick a binding fabric or some borders. It is also really easy to maintain (no stacks to tip over/mess up).
I use the comic boards and love them! Mine just happened to fit perfectly inside an empty dresser and and I also have some on shelves. I use them for my rainbow stash – blenders – and it makes it so easy to open a drawer and pick a binding fabric or some borders. It is also really easy to maintain (no stacks to tip over/mess up).
I guess it depends on how long items are stored on the cardboard. Cardboard is acidic, and over time could perhaps alter your fabric. That why they don’t use it in museums any way.
I guess it depends on how long items are stored on the cardboard. Cardboard is acidic, and over time could perhaps alter your fabric. That why they don’t use it in museums any way.
I need to re-do my stash too, so thanks for bringing up the subject. I think I will go with the comic book inserts.
I need to re-do my stash too, so thanks for bringing up the subject. I think I will go with the comic book inserts.
I use inexpensive foam core boards from the Dollar Tree and cut them to size with an Xacto knife. I bought some cheap straight pins with colored balls on the end to secure the fabric. It is a great system and I can see everything pretty quickly. I have all my fabric from 1/2 yard to 2 yards on the boards. Large fabric quantities are on regular bolts and small cuts are folded and in plastic bins by color. If you want to see mine, here’s a link:
http://reluctantquilter.blogspot.com/2012/06/spreading-love.html
There are now 3 bookcases full of fabric!
I use inexpensive foam core boards from the Dollar Tree and cut them to size with an Xacto knife. I bought some cheap straight pins with colored balls on the end to secure the fabric. It is a great system and I can see everything pretty quickly. I have all my fabric from 1/2 yard to 2 yards on the boards. Large fabric quantities are on regular bolts and small cuts are folded and in plastic bins by color. If you want to see mine, here’s a link:
http://reluctantquilter.blogspot.com/2012/06/spreading-love.html
There are now 3 bookcases full of fabric!
Nicole, I used Kelly’s tips (as herehttp://cottoncharmquilts.typepad.com/charmingchatter/2011/10/page/5/ ) and then store mine in a oak and glass cabinet so I can always see what I have (and to remind me that I don’t need more! LOL). When I started to organize my fabric from my rubbermaid totes, I made myself refold five or so fabrics before I could sew. Before I knew it, I was done. Have fun reorganizing!
Nicole, I used Kelly’s tips (as herehttp://cottoncharmquilts.typepad.com/charmingchatter/2011/10/page/5/ ) and then store mine in a oak and glass cabinet so I can always see what I have (and to remind me that I don’t need more! LOL). When I started to organize my fabric from my rubbermaid totes, I made myself refold five or so fabrics before I could sew. Before I knew it, I was done. Have fun reorganizing!
I recently spend many hours organizing my fabric exactly the picture above. I LOVE it. I bought the comic book cardboards and they work perfectly. I have anything from half a yard to four yards folded on them. For the longer lengths I doubled up the cardboards. It’s so easy to pull out fabric and then put it back. No more shifting stacks to get the one you want. When you want to use the fabric you can just flip the mini bolt to ge the length you want then just repin the end. No refolding. I have my bookcase of fabric when I can see it while I’m sewing and I find it inspiring to see all my fabric at once. You won’t regret making the effort to set up your stash like this!
I recently spend many hours organizing my fabric exactly the picture above. I LOVE it. I bought the comic book cardboards and they work perfectly. I have anything from half a yard to four yards folded on them. For the longer lengths I doubled up the cardboards. It’s so easy to pull out fabric and then put it back. No more shifting stacks to get the one you want. When you want to use the fabric you can just flip the mini bolt to ge the length you want then just repin the end. No refolding. I have my bookcase of fabric when I can see it while I’m sewing and I find it inspiring to see all my fabric at once. You won’t regret making the effort to set up your stash like this!
@Sherryboberry, the cardboards are archival and acid free, so no worries about it harming fabric. 🙂
@Sherryboberry, the cardboards are archival and acid free, so no worries about it harming fabric. 🙂
Nicole, I moved into a new house last year and was determined to organize my fabric stash. I had bought some of the plastic boards at a quilt show and love them but, the cost is so high and I have a lot of fabric. I ordered the comic book boards from amazon and just double them for anything over a yard. They woek just fine and I figured all the money I saved could be used to buy more fabric.
Nicole, I moved into a new house last year and was determined to organize my fabric stash. I had bought some of the plastic boards at a quilt show and love them but, the cost is so high and I have a lot of fabric. I ordered the comic book boards from amazon and just double them for anything over a yard. They woek just fine and I figured all the money I saved could be used to buy more fabric.
Comic book boards – acid free and inexpensive. It’s easy to use a 100. Most likely you’ll need several packs. I know I did.
Comic book boards – acid free and inexpensive. It’s easy to use a 100. Most likely you’ll need several packs. I know I did.
Hi Nicole,
I started using the comic book boards about a year ago. Our kids are all grown up now and when the last one went to college, I finally could get off the DR table and set up my sewing space in their former “playroom”. Nice built-in bookshelves for lots of fabric!(instead of rummaging through Rubbermaid bins in the basement). I fold fat quarters and keep them in clear plastic shoe box type bins on the shelves. I wrap anything about 1/2yd.+ on the comic book boards. If it is 3 yds or more, I just fold it and stack it on the shelves. For some reason, all my mini bolts don’t quite stand up straight, so I have to relook at propping some other items in between to help them stay upright. Next goal is to organize them by color. I also saw the comic book boards recently at Michael’s craft shops–not sure if you have one nearby.
Hi Nicole,
I started using the comic book boards about a year ago. Our kids are all grown up now and when the last one went to college, I finally could get off the DR table and set up my sewing space in their former “playroom”. Nice built-in bookshelves for lots of fabric!(instead of rummaging through Rubbermaid bins in the basement). I fold fat quarters and keep them in clear plastic shoe box type bins on the shelves. I wrap anything about 1/2yd.+ on the comic book boards. If it is 3 yds or more, I just fold it and stack it on the shelves. For some reason, all my mini bolts don’t quite stand up straight, so I have to relook at propping some other items in between to help them stay upright. Next goal is to organize them by color. I also saw the comic book boards recently at Michael’s craft shops–not sure if you have one nearby.
I just recently reorganized all my yardage this way and I LOVE it! I used the comic book boards, which I purchased through Amazon, and they work beautifully! Thanks so very much for your design wall cleaning tip yesterday! I am going to give it a try today.
I just recently reorganized all my yardage this way and I LOVE it! I used the comic book boards, which I purchased through Amazon, and they work beautifully! Thanks so very much for your design wall cleaning tip yesterday! I am going to give it a try today.
It seems to me that the boards would take up extra space on the shelf so you couldn’t store as much fabric – seems like a LOT of extra work – don’t think I’d be a fan of this method.
It seems to me that the boards would take up extra space on the shelf so you couldn’t store as much fabric – seems like a LOT of extra work – don’t think I’d be a fan of this method.
I think you have probably already made your decision about how best to store your fabric but in case not….
I don’t know if sun coming into your storage area is a problem in regards to fabric fading but this is how Karen of the “Sew Many Ways” blog solved it and it seems like a good storage idea also. Two links below:
http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2012/01/tool-time-tuesdayfile-your-fabric.html
http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2012/08/organizing-fabricfiling-update.html#more
Can’t wait to see pics of your finished solution.
Carol
I think you have probably already made your decision about how best to store your fabric but in case not….
I don’t know if sun coming into your storage area is a problem in regards to fabric fading but this is how Karen of the “Sew Many Ways” blog solved it and it seems like a good storage idea also. Two links below:
http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2012/01/tool-time-tuesdayfile-your-fabric.html
http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2012/08/organizing-fabricfiling-update.html#more
Can’t wait to see pics of your finished solution.
Carol
I looked at the comic book boards and they have an alkaline buffer in the fiber. That’s a good thing. They shouldn’t turn acidic and discolor either themselves or your fabric over time. I’m not quite sure what coating they use, but generally it is probably ok.
The other product seems to be a coroplast board, but the make-up of the plastic is not listed. It’s probably ok…probably. It depends on the kind of plastic.
A third thought…How long are you planning to store your fabric? Is this a future investment stash or for the next project waiting in the wings? Unless you plan to store your fabric on them for 50-100 years, I would go with the cardboard pieces. If you are going to store your fabric for that long, I wouldn’t use either one of these products.
I looked at the comic book boards and they have an alkaline buffer in the fiber. That’s a good thing. They shouldn’t turn acidic and discolor either themselves or your fabric over time. I’m not quite sure what coating they use, but generally it is probably ok.
The other product seems to be a coroplast board, but the make-up of the plastic is not listed. It’s probably ok…probably. It depends on the kind of plastic.
A third thought…How long are you planning to store your fabric? Is this a future investment stash or for the next project waiting in the wings? Unless you plan to store your fabric on them for 50-100 years, I would go with the cardboard pieces. If you are going to store your fabric for that long, I wouldn’t use either one of these products.
I just did a re-org with the comic book boards (used more than I imagined too 😉). I LoVe walking into my shop and seeing all of the fabrics nice and pretty one the shelves! Best thing I ever did…so far.
I just did a re-org with the comic book boards (used more than I imagined too 😉). I LoVe walking into my shop and seeing all of the fabrics nice and pretty one the shelves! Best thing I ever did…so far.
I’ve stored my comic books with these boards for a couple decades. The comics are in great condition, so I imagine the boards will be fine with fabric too.
I’ve stored my comic books with these boards for a couple decades. The comics are in great condition, so I imagine the boards will be fine with fabric too.
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/06/paralyzed-by-stash.html
I have started going through my stash and using Bonnie Hunter’s methond of storing fabrics which can be seen at the link above.
Anita/Idaho
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/06/paralyzed-by-stash.html
I have started going through my stash and using Bonnie Hunter’s methond of storing fabrics which can be seen at the link above.
Anita/Idaho
Nicole, I have gone through two packages of the comic book boards and I am only half way through my stash. For fat quarters and other smaller pieces, I cut the boards in half and store them in a wire basket unit. The guys at the local comic book store give me strange looks when I ask for them – I don’t look like their typical customer.
Nicole, I have gone through two packages of the comic book boards and I am only half way through my stash. For fat quarters and other smaller pieces, I cut the boards in half and store them in a wire basket unit. The guys at the local comic book store give me strange looks when I ask for them – I don’t look like their typical customer.
I have much of my stash folded over a rotary ruler and stacked in Ikea’s expedit. I have to say I am concerned we are all going to have a lot of fabric that has faded strips on the edge that is exposed. The risk seems worth the convenience though. We just moved into a larger home not long ago and all the stashed fabric came together in a huge scary lot. It had been all over in storage bins. I am working hard to corral it all in easily usable storage but it is work.
I have much of my stash folded over a rotary ruler and stacked in Ikea’s expedit. I have to say I am concerned we are all going to have a lot of fabric that has faded strips on the edge that is exposed. The risk seems worth the convenience though. We just moved into a larger home not long ago and all the stashed fabric came together in a huge scary lot. It had been all over in storage bins. I am working hard to corral it all in easily usable storage but it is work.
Ive used comic boards for years. They are great and archival. They do come in slightly different sizes but it doesn’t make much of a difference. Yes I do fold larger pieces
Ive used comic boards for years. They are great and archival. They do come in slightly different sizes but it doesn’t make much of a difference. Yes I do fold larger pieces
I use comic boards and love them. Easy to pull fabric when designing a quilt and just as easy to put it away again.
I use comic boards and love them. Easy to pull fabric when designing a quilt and just as easy to put it away again.
I recently put all my yardage on the comic book boards. I love that I’m able to see all my fabrics! I found that I use my stash so much more now that I can see it! I’m not sure it saves space, which is why I originally decided to go this route – but being able to see the fabric is a huge plus! Also will blow your mind to finally know how much yardage you actually have stashed! I only put yardage of over 1 yard on the rolls – and have gone through over 300 papers! I had NO idea I had this much fabric!
I recently put all my yardage on the comic book boards. I love that I’m able to see all my fabrics! I found that I use my stash so much more now that I can see it! I’m not sure it saves space, which is why I originally decided to go this route – but being able to see the fabric is a huge plus! Also will blow your mind to finally know how much yardage you actually have stashed! I only put yardage of over 1 yard on the rolls – and have gone through over 300 papers! I had NO idea I had this much fabric!
I use the fabric organizers from Polar Notions. (https://polarnotions.com/Home_Page.html – check out the demo) They are more than the comic boards, but not as expensive as the ones by the individual you mentioned above. However,the comic boards you linked to are 7″ x 10″. A cut of fabric is typically 42 – 45″ wide. Fold that in 1/4’s lengthwise and it will be a bit taller than the comic board. Also, the boards designed for fabric storage have two little V cuts that you slide the edge of the fabric under to grab it and keep it from slipping while you start wrapping. I wrap yardage that’s over 2 yards and have about 450 yards on these organizers. Whatever you go with, you will be thrilled with how much easier it is to keep things tidy. So much easier to peruse your stash when you don’t have to dig through things!
I use the fabric organizers from Polar Notions. (https://polarnotions.com/Home_Page.html – check out the demo) They are more than the comic boards, but not as expensive as the ones by the individual you mentioned above. However,the comic boards you linked to are 7″ x 10″. A cut of fabric is typically 42 – 45″ wide. Fold that in 1/4’s lengthwise and it will be a bit taller than the comic board. Also, the boards designed for fabric storage have two little V cuts that you slide the edge of the fabric under to grab it and keep it from slipping while you start wrapping. I wrap yardage that’s over 2 yards and have about 450 yards on these organizers. Whatever you go with, you will be thrilled with how much easier it is to keep things tidy. So much easier to peruse your stash when you don’t have to dig through things!
I use the comic boards and LOVE them! Easiest way for me to store my fabric. Most of my stash is in 1/2 yard cuts but I do have some that are bigger and they do well on the comic boards too. I have a pictures somewhere on my blog. You will love changing over to where you can see everything at once!
I use the comic boards and LOVE them! Easiest way for me to store my fabric. Most of my stash is in 1/2 yard cuts but I do have some that are bigger and they do well on the comic boards too. I have a pictures somewhere on my blog. You will love changing over to where you can see everything at once!
http://quiltingallday.blogspot.com/2012/02/addiction.html I found my post, if you want to look at my comic board stash.
http://quiltingallday.blogspot.com/2012/02/addiction.html I found my post, if you want to look at my comic board stash.
I had lots (won’t say how many) 64 qt totes full of my yardage cuts. I decided to buy the comic book backer boards & organize my fabric almost two years ago. It took a long time but it was so worth it. I have my fabrics in cabinets now where I can see everything. I have two white cabinets with glass fronts in my sewing room and a separate room with some Sauder cabinets (bought them cheap at Shopko) with all the rest of my fabrics (my fabric room) 😉 I can’t even remember how many times I kept reordering more backer boards from Amazon. LOL This is a great way to organize your yardage. I had no idea how much fabric I had either until I did this – made me cut back on buying. Now if I can just get my precut buying down. Good luck Nicole!
I had lots (won’t say how many) 64 qt totes full of my yardage cuts. I decided to buy the comic book backer boards & organize my fabric almost two years ago. It took a long time but it was so worth it. I have my fabrics in cabinets now where I can see everything. I have two white cabinets with glass fronts in my sewing room and a separate room with some Sauder cabinets (bought them cheap at Shopko) with all the rest of my fabrics (my fabric room) 😉 I can’t even remember how many times I kept reordering more backer boards from Amazon. LOL This is a great way to organize your yardage. I had no idea how much fabric I had either until I did this – made me cut back on buying. Now if I can just get my precut buying down. Good luck Nicole!
What a great idea… I haven’t tried either… I didn’t know about the comic book covers – woo hoo – that is in my budget…. the other isn’t. Thanks for the great tip! Even if I could buy the plastic, you could save money and buy more fabric with what you saved if you do the cheaper one!
What a great idea… I haven’t tried either… I didn’t know about the comic book covers – woo hoo – that is in my budget…. the other isn’t. Thanks for the great tip! Even if I could buy the plastic, you could save money and buy more fabric with what you saved if you do the cheaper one!
I use the comic book boards. They are acid free and I love them. I see no reason to buy the plastic ones. More than one friend has copied this idea which I originally saw on a blog. I love the way my fabric is organized now.
I use the comic book boards. They are acid free and I love them. I see no reason to buy the plastic ones. More than one friend has copied this idea which I originally saw on a blog. I love the way my fabric is organized now.