How to Make a T Shirt Folder

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Folding T-shirts can be a pain, especially if you’re trying to pack a bunch for a trip or you’re organizing your closet. A T-Shirt folder can help you fold a lot of shirts quickly so they all look neat and organized. You can make a T-shirt holder in just a few minutes using materials you probably already have around the house. Make one for yourself or your kids to make folding T-shirts fast and easy!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Assembling Cardboard Pieces

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    You can use a straight piece of cardboard or cut apart a cardboard box. Measure out your piece and use a box cutter to cut it out in a straight line. [1]
    • If you wear larger than an XL size T-shirt, add 2 inches (5.1 cm) onto both measurements before you cut out your panels.

    Tip: If you have a cardboard box, you can cut cardboard chunks off of that to use instead.

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    Grab some more cardboard and cut out and measure 2 more panels that are the same size as the first piece. Use the first piece of cardboard you cut out as a guide to make sure they’re all the same size. [2]
    • If the panels aren’t all the same length, use your box cutter to cut off the excess until they’re even.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a T Shirt Folder
    Pick a flat surface, like the table or the floor, and spread your cardboard pieces out. Line the panels up lengthwise without any space in between them so they make one tall piece of cardboard. [3]
    • If there are any gaps between the panels, your T-shirt folder might not work as well.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a T Shirt Folder
    Grab a roll of masking tape or duct tape and stick the 3 panels together so they’re still side by side. Use 2 different pieces of tape to attach them, but only tape the top half of the panels together so the bottom can still bend. [4]
    • Your T-shirt folder will need to fold upwards, which is why you need to leave a gap at the bottom of the panels.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a T Shirt Folder
    Use a ruler or a tape measure to mark a line in the center of the middle panel. Use a permanent marker to draw a line across the center so you can keep track of where it is. [5]
    • This will be about 4 inches (10 cm) up from the bottom of the panel.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a T Shirt Folder
    Use a knife or a box cutter to gently cut a line across the center of the panel, but don’t cut all the way through the cardboard. Instead, score a line about halfway through it so that the panel can bend, but it’s still attached to the top half. [6]
    • This will make the bottom panel easier to bend so you don’t have to fold and crease it a bunch of times.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using the T-Shirt Folder

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a T Shirt Folder
    Try to center the collar at the very top of the panel and flatten the shirt out so it’s not creased or wrinkled. The sleeves of your shirt will spread out over the right and left flaps of the T-shirt folder. The more centered the shirt is, the better it will fold. [7]
    • Always start with the T-shirt face down so that the design faces upwards when it’s folded.
    • The T-shirt folder works best on short sleeve, lightweight T-shirts.

    Tip: If you’re folding a short sleeve button-down, make sure all of the buttons are buttoned so the shirt lays flat.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a T Shirt Folder
    Grab the left panel of your cardboard and flip it over on top of the T-shirt, then pull the panel back. The left sleeve of your T-shirt should now be folded over onto the center of your T-shirt. [8]
    • Flip the panel quickly so that the sleeve doesn’t have time to fall or bunch up.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a T Shirt Folder
    Now, do the same thing to the other sleeve of your T-shirt by quickly flipping the right flap over the center of the shirt. Then, pull the flap away so you can see the straight line of your folded T-shirt. [9]
    • If your shirt is wrinkled or didn’t fold correctly, you can just undo it and try it again.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a T Shirt Folder
    Finally, pick the bottom panel of the cardboard up to fold the bottom half of the T-shirt on top of itself. This completes your folded shirt, and you can flip it over to see the design on the front. [10]
    • Try to put your folded shirt directly into its storage spot so it doesn’t accidentally come undone.
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    Now you can put your folded shirt into a drawer or a suitcase so it stays neat and wrinkle-free. Try to place the design facing outwards so you can tell which T-shirt you’re picking up when it comes time to get dressed. [11]
    • Storing shirts that are folded neatly saves a ton of space, so you can fit more shirts into your closet or suitcase at one time.
    • Try using your T-shirt folder to fold shorts and pants too! Just fold the clothing in half lengthwise, then center it on the cardboard. Use the bottom panel to flip the bottom half upwards for a neat, clean fold.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Does it need to be strong, thick cardboard?
    Maria max
    Community Answer
    It could be any kind of cardboard, the T-shirts won't harm it. But I would recommend thick cardboard.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 15
  • Question
    Can it fold my jeans, too?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 14
  • Question
    Does a smaller version work with panties and socks?
    Hannah Madden
    Community Answer
    You can make a smaller version for underwear by cutting the dimensions in half. Then, you can fold your underwear the same way you would fold a T-shirt. For socks, it's best to use your hands to roll them up, since they're usually too small to be folded.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Warnings

      • Use caution when handling a box cutter, and always point the blade away from you as you cut.
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      Things You’ll Need

      Assembling Cardboard

      • Cardboard
      • Box cutter
      • Masking tape or duct tape
      • Marker
      • Ruler or measuring tape

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      References

      1. ↑ https://brendid.com/diy-t-shirt-folding-device/
      2. ↑ https://brendid.com/diy-t-shirt-folding-device/
      3. ↑ https://brendid.com/diy-t-shirt-folding-device/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtjsBUSiORs&feature=youtu.be&t=18
      5. ↑ https://brendid.com/diy-t-shirt-folding-device/
      6. ↑ https://brendid.com/diy-t-shirt-folding-device/
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvesQzlFFoo&feature=youtu.be&t=67
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtjsBUSiORs&feature=youtu.be&t=33
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtjsBUSiORs&feature=youtu.be&t=33
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvesQzlFFoo&feature=youtu.be&t=73
      2. ↑ https://brendid.com/diy-t-shirt-folding-device/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make your own T-shirt folder, first cut out three 8.5-inch by 17-inch pieces of cardboard. Lay out all 3 pieces next to each other lengthwise, and tape the top halves of the panels together. Then, measure halfway up the middle panel and draw a line across it. Score a line across the mark you made without going all the way through so you can bend the bottom half of the panel up. To use your T-shirt folder, lay a T-shirt face down and centered over the middle panel. Flip the left panel over to fold in the left arm, then flip the right panel over to fold in the right arm. Finally, fold the bottom panel up to fold your shirt into a nice, compact square. For step-by-step instructions and videos, keep reading!

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