I recently picked up a muslin backdrop for use with a portable studio.
(Eq. includes two x1600 Whitelightnings , two JTL Versalight 160's, Vagabond 300 portable Power System, Manfrotto backdrop stand, translucent umbrellas and reflective umbrellas, etc)
I began using the new muslin and noticed pronounced folds/creases in the backdrop.
Bart, with the tye dyed muslins and ones that are not scenic I gave up on the smooth look and went for the wrinkled look. So my assistant and I each grab a corner and start twisting until it is like a rope. then we just coil it up and shove it in the sack. The key is that it is super wrinkled with no straight folds so when you untwist it, you just hang it and it has a nice textured look. If you want to go for the smooth unwrinkled look, then you pretty much have to roll it on a tube and have a steamer handy once you unroll it to get out whatever wrinkles crept in. We went to a carpet store and got some old carpet tubes to roll our scenic muslins on, you can also use PVC 3 inch drain pipe which is also cheap.
I either roll with a PVC pipe for longterm storage or start at one corner and roll it into a ball for location work. The key is never folding the muslin neatly to create some crease which is difficult to get rid of as well as ugly. As Phil said, the random wrinkle pattern just fine.
I stuff 'em into pillow cases. When I hang them for use, I spray them down lightly with water in one of those plant-misting spray bottles and let gravity relax the wrinkles a bit.
I fold mines neatly and stack them. but when it is time for use I stretch it between backdrop stand by using the large clips you buy at home depot. cliping the top and the bottom.
