Folding T-Shirts The Kondo Way: A Step-By-Step Guide

Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo has become famous for her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and her Netflix show, Tidying Up, which have inspired people to transform their homes. Her KonMari method involves first taking stock of which possessions truly spark joy and getting rid of those that don't, and then storing the remaining items as efficiently as possible. This includes folding clothes in a specific way so that they can be stored vertically, maximising storage space and ensuring every item is clearly visible. This paragraph will explain how to fold a T-shirt using the KonMari method.

Fold the T-shirt facedown

To fold a T-shirt using the KonMari method, start by laying your T-shirt facedown on a flat surface. This way, part of the design will still be visible when it's folded, making it easier to identify.

Now, fold in the right side of the shirt, and smooth the sleeve flat. Then, fold the sleeve back halfway. Repeat on the left side.

Next, fold the neckline down to almost meet the hem of the shirt, leaving about an inch between the two.

Now, fold the shirt in half again. If the shirt is long, you may need to fold it into thirds.

Finally, fold the T-shirt one more time so that it's compact enough to stand upright.

Remember, the KonMari method is all about respecting your clothes and maximising storage space. By folding your T-shirts in this way, you'll be able to store them vertically, making it easier to identify each shirt and saving space in your drawers.

Fold in the right side, smooth the sleeve flat, and fold it back halfway

To fold a T-shirt using the KonMari method, start by laying the T-shirt out flat on a surface in front of you, with the back of the shirt facing up. Now, let's focus on the step: "Fold in the right side, smooth the sleeve flat, and fold it back halfway."

First, fold in the right side of the T-shirt towards the centre. Make sure to fold it snugly and smoothly, avoiding any bumps or creases. Next, turn your attention to the sleeve. Gently smooth out any wrinkles or creases on the sleeve, ensuring it lies flat. Take the sleeve by the folded edge and fold it back towards yourself, so that the folded edge meets the midpoint of the T-shirt. The sleeve should now form a neat, straight line across the shirt.

This step is crucial in achieving the signature KonMari fold, as it helps to create a uniform, rectangular shape. By folding the sleeve back halfway, you not only ensure that the shirt will be stored compactly but also facilitate easier stacking and organisation in your drawers or shelves. A precise and crisp fold is essential to mastering the KonMari method.

As you work through the steps, it's important to be mindful and deliberate in your actions. Take your time and ensure that each fold is precise and smooth. This process of folding with care and attention is an integral part of the KonMari method, encouraging a mindful approach to tidying and a deeper appreciation for your belongings.

By following these detailed instructions for the "Fold in the right side, smooth the sleeve flat, and fold it back halfway" step, you're well on your way to mastering the KonMari folding technique for T-shirts. This method not only ensures a neat and efficient fold but also embodies the mindful and respectful approach to organisation that is at the heart of the KonMari philosophy.

Repeat on the left side

How to Fold a T-Shirt the KonMari Way

The KonMari folding method is a great way to save space and keep your clothes organised. It's a technique that involves folding clothes so they can be stored upright, making it easier to identify each item. This method can be used for short-sleeved and long-sleeved T-shirts, and the steps are very similar.

For a short-sleeved T-shirt:

• Lay your T-shirt face down on a flat surface.
• Fold the right side of the shirt towards the centre, smoothing the sleeve flat.
• Fold the sleeve back halfway.
• Repeat on the left side.
• Fold the collar of the shirt towards the bottom hem, leaving about an inch between the two, to form a rectangle.
• Fold the shirt in half again, or into thirds if it is a longer shirt.
• Store the folded T-shirt upright in a drawer or container.

Now, for the left side of the shirt:

• Mirror the steps above. Fold the left side of the shirt towards the centre, smoothing the sleeve flat.
• Fold the sleeve back halfway, mirroring the right side.
• Repeat the process: fold the collar towards the bottom hem, leaving about an inch, and then fold the shirt in half again.
• The left side is now folded in the same way as the right, and you can continue to the next step of the overall process, storing your T-shirt upright.

For a long-sleeved T-shirt:

• Lay the T-shirt face down on a flat surface, with the sleeves fully spread out.
• Take the right side of the shirt and fold it towards the centre.
• Fold the sleeve back away from the centre, and then fold it down towards the bottom hem of the shirt. The sleeve should now form an upside-down L shape.
• Repeat on the left side, mirroring the steps above. Fold the left side towards the centre, and then fold the sleeve back and down to create the L shape.
• Now both sides are folded in the same way, and you can continue with the rest of the process.
• Fold the collar of the shirt to the bottom hem, forming a rectangle.
• Fold the shirt in half again.
• Store the folded T-shirt upright.

Tips:

• After each fold, smooth your palm over the shirt to help it keep its shape.
• Avoid making the sleeves overlap when folding long-sleeved T-shirts, as this takes up more space.
• If your shirt doesn't stay upright, experiment with the width of the rectangle and the height of the folds.

Fold the neckline down to the shirt's hem

Folding a T-shirt using the KonMari method is a great way to save space and keep your clothes organised. This method can be used for both short- and long-sleeved T-shirts.

Once you have folded the sides and sleeves of the T-shirt, you will be left with a rectangle shape. Now, it's time to focus on the neckline.

Gently pick up the neckline of the T-shirt and fold it down towards the hem. The goal is to create a neat, straight line that almost meets the bottom of the shirt, leaving about an inch between the fold and the hem. This step is important as it helps to create a uniform shape and ensures the T-shirt will be able to stand upright when placed in a drawer.

Take your time with this step, as it can be tricky to get the fold exactly right. Use your palms to smooth out the fabric as you go, just as Marie Kondo suggests in her book, 'Spark Joy'. This will help the T-shirt to keep its shape over time.

The neckline fold is a key part of the KonMari method, as it helps to transform the garment into a neat, compact rectangle. By folding the neckline down to the shirt's hem, you are also showing respect to your clothing, which is an important principle of the KonMari philosophy.

Fold the T-shirt in half or thirds

Now that you've completed the first few steps of folding your T-shirt the KonMari way, it's time to move on to the next step: folding the T-shirt in half or thirds. This step is crucial in the KonMari folding method as it helps to reinforce the shirt's shape and ensure it stands upright for more efficient storage.

To begin, take one side of the shirt and fold it across the centre. Smooth your palm over the shirt to keep it wrinkle-free and maintain its shape, as recommended by Marie Kondo. Repeat this process with the opposite side of the shirt, stopping just before the edge to create a rectangle.

Now, you'll want to focus on the rectangle you've just created. Fold it in half lengthwise. This helps to further reinforce the shirt's shape and brings you closer to achieving the "golden point of folding," as Kondo calls it.

Depending on the length of your T-shirt, you may need to fold it in half again or in thirds. For longer shirts, you might even need to fold them four or five times. The goal is to make the shirt compact enough to stand upright in your drawer or storage container.

Remember, the key to mastering this folding technique is to treat it like origami, as Kondo suggests. Take your time with each fold, and don't be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect balance that allows your shirt to stand upright. With practice, you'll be folding your T-shirts like a pro and maximising your storage space like a true KonMari disciple!

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