How To Fold, Store and Organize Your Fabric To Fit Your Personal Needs

[@etiennecrowe6011]

You're the ONLY person who discusses how to store fabric that isn't small yardage cotton. I make costumes, so that is SO important to me and I really appreciate it.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@user-py4qc5nk6n]

You are the only person I have found who talks about bolts of fabric. I often buy by the bolt. Storing is a pain. I am looking forward to some ideas.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@laceynagel5025]

I have watched so many videos now on how to fold and organize fabric, and I have to say this is one of the most helpful but I have seen of any of them. Thank you for explaining how to fold different sizes of fabric in different ways for different storage systems. Very helpful!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@hildakunneke4437]

I'm 63 and totally hooked on fabric😅. My mom passed 25years ago... She also had lots of fabric... Now my vintage treasured pieces. Hubby made me a large fabric storage cubourt that is filled top to bottom but still have fabric in bins🤦This was a great video tnx. Will take me for ages to organise my stuff but will enjoy every moment of all the memories that some of the pieces will bring🤗

[@JanHowell]

Yes, I inherited a lot of fabric from my grandmother, and they are cherished pieces.

[@angelamanus2234]

Thanks for the video! I did this with all the fabric I bought at yard sales. My husband built shelves for me in one of my closets and I stored my fabric in there to keep the sun off of it. The comic book boards are very nice and just the right size.

[@JanHowell]

Ya, that is one thing I'm a little concered about. My cabinet doesn't get a lot of light but I'm sure it's not great.

[@angelamanus2234]

maybe put a curtain over it to keep the sun off of it🙂@@JanHowell

[@MrsMTMomma]

@@JanHowell You would be sureprised at how much fading occurs even in a large closet. Turning the light on to choose what you want takes more than 2 min., at least it does for me. I am bless to have a 12/7 ft walk in closet the is under the eave so the ceiling is slanted. I still have stnd up room in 8 of the 12 ft before it starts the slope. I have chosen fabric that may not have been unfolded and theres a fade mark at the fold! I do just like you but, since my shelves are from the Container Store and the wired type, I can’t stand them up. So I separate the quilting fabric into color groups. My garment fabric is in several rooms of the house and needs to be sort and downsized!!!!

[@ConnieAcree]

I love the way you demonstrated folding fabric. Thank you and God bless.

[@christineannematias5138]

Thanks Jan as always your videos are so informative and your tutorials are easy to follow. Now I can start on my folding the easy way. Cheers from Australia

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind. Cheers to you!

[@platinumsky845]

Hair clips, the metal kind that "pop" open and closed, work amazing for holding fabric in place, and since they can be made either open or closed it can be easy to position them too.

[@JanHowell]

What a great idea. Thanks for sharing

[@TheSuspira]

Also bobby pins

[@donnabankstahl2457]

Jan I am in the beginning stages of transforming a second bedroom into my sewing and craft studio. These ideas are just fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing. I will definitely be incorporating your organizing tips in my new room. Hugs from Fl🥰💞😘🦩🌴

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome! 🤗from Utah

[@Sandrab769]

Who would think of comic book boards? I'm glad you did and that you shared the idea with the world. Thx

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@jylromain6439]

With this video, I think I can make sense out of all my fabric. Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@deelee2525]

i use two paper clips one on each end also works perfect

[@JanHowell]

great suggestion. Thank you

[@joycecaldwell2097]

I have recently moved and have a great sewing room to design. I will definitely be using theses hacks. Thanks for taking the time to do this video!

[@JanHowell]

How exciting for you. You are so welcome.

[@jodipencek5680]

Great idea to place boards down on table. Also great idea to use gravity to help make it even

[@cathymartin3379]

I like the idea of having a guide as well, but I would just stick a couple of pieces of masking tape onto my table as my guide, save the boards lol.

[@JanHowell]

thanks for the tip.

[@rebwolfe2702]

Great ideas! Looking forward to organising my fabric mess! Hi from Australia!!

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@gigiontube]

What about sticking a piece of paper inside of that clip with the dimensions of the fabric. In that way you don’t have to unfold it all to see if you have enough fabric for a specific project.

[@JanHowell]

That is a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@wilmanieves7205]

I love to organize, so I did it and my fabrics looks SUPER! Thank you very much.

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@marykrum1378]

Wonderful idea! I ordered the boards and clips and will organize my fabric. Thank you for your informative and well done video!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind

[@pamcadd8658]

Brilliant ideas, Jan! I also use comic book boards, but you've shown me a couple of important refinements - taping down the guides and using alligator clips (I was using quilting safety pins - this is much easier). I have also put fat quarters in the deep art bins that have a hinged lid and handle, so they're easy to slide onto a shelf or under a table.

[@JanHowell]

Great ideas. Thanks for sharing

[@joannturrin9141]

I wish I had done this from the beginning of collecting fabric, but then this idea may not have been around. I am doing it now. Love the idea. THANKS for sharing.

[@JanHowell]

You're so welcome.

[@patriciagoldsmith8667]

I was looking for a way to neatly get fabric into my booth at a local antique and flea mall so customers could shop it. This is perfect! The cost isn't bad given that the fabric was all given to me by a quilter who was moving away.

[@JanHowell]

Lucky you!

[@eugeniaread2724]

I found a smaller vintage cd holder at a thrift store to keep smaller pieces of fabric in the top shelf of the hutch portion of a microwave stand/hutch combo with glass doors. I cut small pieces of cardboard to act as shelf. Works great. I also use the comic boards for my other fabrics. Thank you for all the terrific tips and suggestions! I just needed a reminder.

[@JanHowell]

Great idea!

[@p.s.6779]

Oh my gosh! You are amazing! I love your tutorial; your detailed demonstrations and verbal instructions are amazing! Thank you so much!! 😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@ruthabigail5939]

This video is SO helpful, THANK YOU! I love that you go through the different sizes as well as ways to display the fabric. And I definitely will have to check out those alligator clips, thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@cynforrest]

Nice tips. I wrap my fabric similar to you but pull the “comic board” out before placing fabric on shelf. I found the boards took up too much room on my shelves and removing the “folding guide” allows fabric to relax slightly so no more folding creases. Love your idea for storing bolts. Definitely going to implement that right away - it’s Christmas shopping time so the right size totes should be reasonably available. Thanks for another wonderful vid!

[@JanHowell]

That's a great idea!

[@SparkyOne549]

I use my 6” wide ruler to turn my 4-5 yards of each fabric. I flip and fold the ruler and store them all in large bins, we seem to get moths in the summer somehow, they eat any fabric, so I can’t have them displayed on shelves. I can see all my fabrics in each bin.

[@JanHowell]

What a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@Suzicherie7777]

This might be too much work or cost for some….for scraps, make zippered bags in solid colors, like red, blue, etc and store your scraps in those according to color. All those plastic bags would drive me crazy, but it’s a great idea. (Plus I have a bunch of cheap zippers here)

[@nancy9478]

I do that with scraps, the bags are in a covered bin and so much easier for me to manage.

[@sofietstolk]

I think I'll just cut up some of my cereal boxes to the right size

[@carolg.6838]

​@@nancy9478 Just know the cardboard from cereal boxes is probably not archival so could contain acid if storing something precious or for a long time*. Also you would not want any cereal dust to attract pests that could eat through your fabric. I saw a video of a different lady who used a quilting ruler of a similar size to wrap the fabric then removed the ruler. This worked for her storage method. She might have used alligator clips too. *I don't know how long it would take for regular cardboard to harm fabric.

[@MrsMTMomma]

@@sofietstolk That cardboard has a lot of acid in it so don’t plan on storing that way more than a year or so. You’ll have damaged fabric.

[@lindajimmerson8542]

@@carolg.6838I’ve used this ruler method for years and love it. I don’t have anything extra to manage or buy. I haven’t used the clips or anything but think I may switch to perhaps a flower head pin but who knows, my system has worked so far🤗

[@KanaMuthurajah]

Awesome. Super idea, sis. Thank you so much. All this while i have been keeping mine in a container. Now i will reorganize mine.

[@JanHowell]

Have fun organizing!

[@myrasantillan4663]

Could we use the index cards as well?

[@JanHowell]

Yes, for small pieces.

[@littleolivefox]

I have all my fabrics haphazardly folded and stored in small flimsy dresser. Will definitely be making some cardboard cutouts to wrap it all around to store it neater. Thanks for the hack!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@darylcatherineholt7852]

Great video!

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@Buggalugz84]

Just looking at my fabric drawer with dismay but this approach is amazing, thanks so much!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@jennykorse1802]

Great video. I'll get startet right away - thanks so much

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@MarketsofSunshine]

I need to take the time and do this again with my fabric. I have more small pieces so I just put them in a Ziploc bag. But I am building up my supplies again with a full yard.

[@JanHowell]

😊

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

Thank you Jan. a great way to store your fabric💕

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@michellesalazar7446]

Thank you for sharing I love your idea for the fabric storage and folding 😃

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@VanityFerret]

i use hanging file folders inside clear plastic file bins that stack on each other. This is where I put fat quarter size and slightly smaller fabrics. Larger than fat quarter but not actual yardage gets rolled and tucked into cardboard chip bins. These cardboard bins are free, have very sturdy walls and a middle divider, so the rolls tuck away nicely. Yardage gets hung with pants or skirt hangers. Leather gets rolled and shelved. Trim gets hung on scarf holders that get hung from a hanger. RIbbon is in a shallow plastic bin. Seam binding and piping each have their own plastic bin. Tiny scraps currently reside in drawers, but I may sort and bag like you did.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks for sharing

[@veronicasiczewski299]

Dear Jan, this is just a FANTASTIC video. It's so helpful. Thank you!❤

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@gretchendecot7140]

Thanks Jan, I’m headed to my sewing area now!

[@JanHowell]

Have fun organizing!

[@sharonpeck88]

Just found you on KZbin and subscribed. Love these kinds of tips. You have such a pretty collection of fabrics.

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@jmjohnson56]

Love this video. Great ideas. I’m going try this. Thanks so much

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@jessicavanzuydam6458]

Thank you very much for this video I love fabric and I have a ton but storage is a nightmare. This vid has helped me

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome. Glad it was helpful

[@margaritasilva7445]

TFS all your fabric organization tips.

[@JanHowell]

Thank you so much 😊

[@peaceofjunkjournals]

Love your storage solutions ❤

[@JanHowell]

Thank you! 😊.

[@suziecheree1177]

Great help Jan, thanks so much 😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@kathleenchamp3764]

Hi Jan thank you, I totally OVER organized my fabric. I got to where I had no idea what I had. I've just gone thru & un~ organized a bit. If you can believe that. Looking firsts to seeing what you suggest. But the way, love your videos🤩 I've seen a few off and on. Then I needed info on making my own labels. So much info out there but it ends up overwhelming. Want to put on cotton/ twill tape or ribbon for small added into my makes. Anyway back to the video.. thanks again!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@treasuresnownthen]

I am working on this. I buy the plastic coated jumbo paper clips at the Dollar Tree store. I have WAY too much fabric

[@JanHowell]

Thanks for sharing. They say, the one who dies with the most fabric wins. LOL

[@parallaxabomination]

thank you Jan! 💙

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@joshcobb4100]

You are my hero.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind

[@MJ-eh3eq]

thank you very much indeed! I will start this technique because I have too many fabrics

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome 😊

[@suzanneevans1771]

Thanks very much for the tip about comic book boards - I’ll be buying some soon to help with my sewing space overhaul.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome.

[@jessi4959]

That was so informative! Thank you

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@PaulaNoakes]

Thanks for this video and your organization suggestions! We recently had to box up most of my fabric and now I'm trying to pull out and orfanize it all. I'm sure this video will help! I would like to know which size of the clear plastic fridge bins you use. That's an idea I *love*, since I'm very visual and if i can't see it, it's not there! 😂 thanks so much!!

[@JanHowell]

Here is the link to the bins I have. geni.us/bFuLAh You may also want to check out this blog post with more details. youmakeitsimple.com/2021/10/14/how-to-fold-store-and-organize-your-fabric/

[@lalagamma4452]

I'm thinking cereal or other food boxes would work in place of the comic boards. I decoupage food packaging now for all kinds of uses. Great suggestions beautiful fabrics. I saved this and shared it. Namaste ✌️🐞

[@JanHowell]

That's a great idea, and thank for sharing! Namaste

[@cherieiduke1723]

Comic book cardboard are not acidic that is the difference

[@lalagamma4452]

@@cherieiduke1723 thanks for sharing 🐞🕉️✌️

[@carolg.6838]

Make sure there is no cereal/food dust that can attract bugs to eat your fabric.

[@lalagamma4452]

TY Carol believe me I know about pests and critters. I've been in Florida for 47 years and learned the hard way. We had a bean bag game the rats got to. Then when I was teaching my classroom we had rice bean bags that mealybugs infested. I'm super careful to make sure now. 😂 Love and learn. I appreciate your concerns. 🐞🐞🐞

[@joannhutchinson3030]

You can also buy a large poster board and cut it to the size you want

[@JanHowell]

Another great tip.

[@karlasolomon8128]

Super helpful! And motivating….

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@shellyculver4239]

Great tips! Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@lcrafts5907]

Just found your channel. Loved this video. Definitely will be binge watching your video. Definitely will be using your method.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yaelglickman5110]

Great ideas! many thanks.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@solarwinds-]

This really helped, thank you!

[@JanHowell]

I'm so glad

[@kathyriggs7266]

Hi Jan! I'm a new subscriber and I really like your videos. I was wondering if you could do a thread video? What threads to use with what type of fabrics and applications of threads. Thank you.

[@JanHowell]

Hi Kathy, thanks for the kind words. That is a great idea for some upcoming tutorials. I'll see what I can do. Stay tuned. ;)

[@lindajimmerson8542]

Would the large coated paper clips work instead of the clips?

[@joannhutchinson3030]

I also cut patterns out of poster board

[@JanHowell]

Good idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@angelonettebolden2700]

Instead of comic boards, I use postal boxes! I order them from the post office. You can get 8 boards from one box to wrap my fabric.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks for sharing

[@karenmacdonald384]

Hi! I am beginning my fabric storage and I am so thankful for your ideas. My question is - do you wash your fabric before storing? Wondering if my OCD is getting the best of me because I do have a lot of fabric!!! That being said my fabric has been in storage for 4 months. What are your thoughts?

[@JanHowell]

I don't wash my fabric before, especailly if I'm making gifts with them. When you wash first, it is so difficult to press and that takes so much time! (my opionion only).

[@lindaryan4148]

Oh my goodness. Just found you and I’m so inspired. I already have the little cardboard comic book pieces but I haven’t started yet. Have to order the alligator clips. Thank you!!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@naturesgateway]

For most fabric, I fold selvedge to selvedge, then fold to selvedge, and use my clear plastic ruler instead of comic boards, after folding around, I just pull out the ruler and the piece is done! No money spent on cardboard or that dust that eventually generates.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks for sharing. Good idea.

[@gloriadesousa4644]

I need one of those cabinets and a help from you I would love to have a sewing room like that thank you for ideias that can help me

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@jeannecharlson9678]

@@JanHowell can you please tell me what your Ikea cabinet is called as well as the name of the doors that you have on them?

[@JanHowell]

@@jeannecharlson9678 they are BILLY book shelves and they have different doors you can choose.

[@PhyllisZiegler]

Thank You for Your KZbin videos ❤ I too am a IKEA lover. Wondered if You have seen the IKEA zippered blue tote❓ They are great for a full bolt fabric on the cardboard. They are not see through but fits perfectly. Sew On & Sew Forth 😊Phyllis

[@JanHowell]

Thanks for the tip. I will check that out next time I m there.

[@TheTruthResearchers]

So Helpful! *What is your opinion on "army rolling" large thick Fabrics, and do you have any other space-saving Techniques for them, (in addition to the upholstery ones folded upright in your bin)? I have a tiny studio & TONS of Fabric!! Thanks Jan!!

[@JanHowell]

I'm sorry I don't know what "army rolling is"

[@TheTruthResearchers]

@@JanHowell An "Army Roll" is the oldest most simple smart packing technique known by every Military Person, Camper, or Traveler. It's simply "rolling your clothes" (instead of folding them) in a way that when you unroll them, there are no wrinkles. AND it's main purpose is used as a huge Space-Saver. You can get 50% MORE into a backpack, suitcase, drawer, or shelf, if you ROLL your clothes. Any backpacker, camper, traveler, or military person knows this technique and uses it. No need to get back; I have answered my own question.

[@LindaBrown-e5m]

Thanks Will do

[@JanHowell]

👍

[@tanyasloane5071]

That fabric right at 6:00! What is the name of that beautiful fabric? Do you know?

[@JanHowell]

I'm sorry I don't. I've had this piece of upholstry fabric for many years.

[@rebekahcotton4828]

I love these tips. Thanks so much! What is the name of your Ikea cabinet? Just shopping around and would like to compare with others.

[@JanHowell]

They are "Billy Bookshelves". You can add doors or not.

[@deetorres424]

Thank You for your ideas!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@bethmagill4449]

Love this, Jan!!! I just ordered a few items through your link! :)

[@JanHowell]

Yay! Thank you and enjoy your day!

[@lorettapeer5372]

Loved this. This will really help

[@JanHowell]

Thank you, and I hope it does help!

[@designedwithlove617]

Hello Jan, I'm looking for ideas of ways to fold and store satin, lace, and slippery fabric

[@JanHowell]

You could wrap them around the same type of boards.

[@annajean-nanaarbogast2487]

Always wonderful tips!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks so much!

[@kaiblue9586]

Omg thank you so much for this!! I use clear totes for my yardage, and i really struggle to get them folded perfectly the right size to fit in there- i can't believe i never thought of using cardboard bolts before, to set the size! We get so many Amazon boxes, it won't take me long to get enough of these! 😂

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolentringer8836]

even food packaging cardboard works

[@purplemoon8637]

You can also remove the flaps of Amazon boxes and wrap your fabric around them.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks for sharing

[@minitorestrepo7233]

Beautiful,

[@JanHowell]

Thank you! 😊

[@user-vm4fv6oy9u]

I’m a new sewer and am, like many, fascinated with fabric. After spending lots of $$ at Craft, Fabric and quilt shops, I found fabric at thrift shops. Since lots of my stuff is still all about practice, I don’t necessarily need the perfect fabric design. Now, I have GOBS of fabric that chose me. Ha. It’s taking over my space, so I’ve ordered the comic board to try to get a handle on what I actually have. Given my inexperience, I not sure I understand the reason behind unfolding new fat quarters to rewrap onto comic board? Please educated me. I would think you could just leave them in the packaging you buy them in, prefolded and line them into the bins. Please educated me!

[@JanHowell]

Hello, here is the link for the plastic bins I use for my fat quarters. The reason I refold them onto small boards is just because the fat quarters don't fit in my bin. Ya, if you have a bin that fits, I would not refold. Here is the link for the bins I use. geni.us/bFuLAh

[@lindabrown4992]

I have never heard of these boards. Is there any stores that sell these boards. I would like to see them before I order some. It could be quite an investment. I have a lot of fabric. Enjoy your demonstration

[@JanHowell]

There are specialty shops that carry these for comic book collecting. You'll have to check your area.

[@karenkirk3185]

Thank you 😊 Following

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful

[@genevieveanandappa20]

excellent

[@JanHowell]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mj4ever1332]

Sew helpful! 😉

[@JanHowell]

Thank you! 😊.

[@sparklemint2458]

Thank you ♥️ alligator clips are a great alternative instead of pins because I would for sure hurt myself and bleed all over the fabric!

[@JanHowell]

I've done that very thing, so I love the clips as well

[@peggymcthompson261]

I use coated paper clips.

[@ccbarr58]

Cant see when images is out of frame! What is comic board? Cardboard?

[@JanHowell]

You can get all those details here on my post. youmakeitsimple.com/2021/10/14/how-to-fold-store-and-organize-your-fabric/

[@cathymartin3379]

What do you do with wide backs ?

[@JanHowell]

I'm not quite sure what you are referring to.

[@cathymartin3379]

​@@JanHowell wide back fabric, usually 80 too 100 plus inches wide, very common for quilters to use as quilt backs. Sounds like you are not a quilter lol. No worries I'll figure something out.

[@bonnieclarkson5674]

It seems to me bobby pins would work instead of alligator clips. I'm in a very rural area and I can find them locally.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks so much for sharing. Great idea.

[@rebeccayonker3458]

Where can I get those comic book boards?.

[@JanHowell]

Here is the link to the blog post that has all those details. youmakeitsimple.com/2021/10/14/how-to-fold-store-and-organize-your-fabric/

[@sandhillmom2]

I like to know how much of each fabric I have. I sort my fabric by yardage.

[@JanHowell]

great idea

[@carolynmurtaza1180]

coould not see the box you used for fat quarters as you had it out of view of the camera,

[@JanHowell]

This link will give you all those details. youmakeitsimple.com/2021/10/14/how-to-fold-store-and-organize-your-fabric/

[@sandrinou1329]

Hi, is it take really less place than usual storage ?

[@JanHowell]

Yes, definitely, it doesn't get wrinkly and its easy to see what you have.

[@sandrinou1329]

@@JanHowell ok I will try it thank you

[@sandrinou1329]

@@JanHowell I try it today... effectively it's better. It takes less space, it's more tidy up, and very easy to pick up fabric and drop off. Thank you 🥰🥰

[@cherieiduke1723]

So you take the fabric off of the bolt to store. We had a shop go out of business I have about 10 bolts

[@JanHowell]

If you have a lot of fabric on the original bold, I would just keep them on the bolts and find a bin big enough to store several bolts.

[@cherieiduke1723]

@@JanHowell thanks

[@deirdrerobbins5858]

What cabinet is it. I love it

[@JanHowell]

It's an Ikea Billy bookcase cabinet with doors.

[@VeraTheVindicated]

That's what I was trying to find out too! Thanks!

[@rhondagaunt4869]

Hi Jan, what is the size of acrylic container are you using?

[@JanHowell]

They measure Each Measures 10" x 6" x 5" high Here is the link. FAT QUARTER PLASTIC BINS - geni.us/bFuLAh

[@todayicelebrateme]

I buy bolds of interfacing when one cut is 50% off at JoAnns..

[@JanHowell]

good idea.

[@cathycastro7909]

What is the name of your IKEA bookcase?

[@JanHowell]

It’s a Billy bookcase with doors.

[@cathycastro7909]

@@JanHowell Thanks so much! 😊👍

[@michaelasmaturemakeupbeaut816]

OMGosh just found you while research, I am redoing my craft studtio and I need these so bad...Also what is the name of the Ikea shelves and drawers you purchased? They look so nice behind glass.

[@michaelasmaturemakeupbeaut816]

Nevermind, I saw where you shared the info @ the end :) great tips, thanks so much for sharing.

[@JanHowell]

Glad you found me! The Ikea shelves are called a Billy book shelf. You can get them with doors or without. They come in a few sizes.