Physical stress. As I mentioned before, physical folding is probably the greatest cause of distress for stored fabric over time. Fibers are weakened at the point of the crease. But, as folding is also necessary, some techniques can be used to reduce this stress.
Acid-free tissue paper can be used inside the folds to prevent creases from forming. If possible, every so often, folded textiles can be removed from storage and refolded in different directions to allow for a more even wear on the piece. The fabrics will also suffer from the physical weight of stacking, increasing the likelihood of sharp creases. Rotating the stack as you examine and refold the stored items will help relieve this pressure on any one piece.
For smaller pieces, rolled storage is the best option. Wrap a discarded paper towel tube (or a wrapping paper tube) with aluminum foil, covering the cardboard completely. This prevents the fabric from making contact the acidic cardboard. Roll the textile around the tube and tie with a wide flat ribbon.
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