Folding Method

When folding fabric to take advantage of vertical space, be sure to use the WOF (width of fabric) as the starting point. I have several cuts of the same fabrics and the folding techniques used by the sellers vary greatly. The most common cuts are FQs and 1/4 yards from initial purchases, 1/2 to 1 yard cuts in recent shipments, though I will take several small cuts if stock is low. FQs are not folded consistently between various shops.     

While the comic book boards were thought provoking, the acrylic ruler allows room for other cuts or items in front of the folded fabrics in the cabinet, maximizing available space. The board method would have also required pressing all of my cabinet contents and that sounds terrible. 😆

 Folding at WOF or half WOF (FQ)

FQs can be folded several ways

I prefer to use WOF as the basis of most of my folding options and find the consistency is helpful longterm in my projects. I originally planned to iron as I go along but that would take far too much time and seems like an unnecessary step. Once you have your WOF (except FQs), fold in half lengthwise towards the selvedge edges. Place your ruler at about 2 inch mark above the raw edge for FQ, a bit more for yardage up to 3.5 inches. Wrap the remaining fabric while holding the center or at least the ruler at the end of the fabric edges. If utilizing for FQs, you're starting with half the WOF, meaning you can skip the fold in half.

Carefully pinch as you go to avoid uneven wrapping. Continue to wrap the fabric around your ruler until finished.  If you prefer to tuck in the remaining 1-2 inches or the remaining fabric will not hold on it's own, tuck on the same side you finished on or use a wonder clip to hold in place. Pinch your fabric again, as shown above left and slide your fabric off of the ruler. 

The first few will seem awkward at first but the process gets better with practice. 

Happy Folding, Heather