Nesines
A T-shirt folding board is a simple, hinged board that can be easily made at home. It is a great tool to speed up the process of folding clothes and helps achieve a perfectly uniform fold. All you need to create this board are some cardboard boxes, a sharp knife, and duct tape. The process is simple and involves cutting the cardboard to the desired size, taping the panels together, and folding your T-shirts with ease. With this board, you can now fold your shirts like a pro!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Cardboard, duct tape, sharp knife, ruler/yardstick |
| Cardboard dimensions | 9" x 12" (23 cm x 30.5 cm) or larger |
| Cardboard pieces | 4-6 rectangular pieces |
| Assembly | Cut cardboard to size, tape panels together, score middle panel |
| Usage | Place shirt face down on board, fold side panels, fold bottom panel |
What You'll Learn
Cut cardboard to size
To make a T-shirt folding board, you'll need cardboard and a sharp knife. You can use corrugated cardboard, or cut up cardboard boxes.
The size of your cardboard pieces will determine the size of your folded shirt. A commonly used dimension in department stores for large shirts is 9 inches (23 cm) by 12 inches (30.5 cm). If you want to fold smaller shirts, you can cut your cardboard to 8.5 inches (22 cm) by 17 inches (43 cm). Alternatively, you can fold a shirt to your preferred size and use that as a template.
If you wear larger than an XL size T-shirt, you may want to add 2 inches (5.1 cm) to the length and width of your cardboard pieces. For example, you could cut out two rectangular pieces that are about 12 inches by 24 inches, and two square pieces that are about 12 inches by 12 inches.
Once you've decided on your dimensions, measure and mark the outline of your rectangles on the cardboard. Carefully cut them out with your knife, trying to keep the sides as even as possible. You will need six rectangles to form the base of the folding board.
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Tape panels together
Now that you have cut your cardboard to size, it's time to assemble your folding board by taping the panels together.
Lay out the panels in a grid of three wide by two high, leaving a gap of about 1/4 inch between each panel. This spacing is important as it allows the panels to easily fold and move while in use.
Take your tape and, on both the front and back sides, tape each of the panels on the top row to the panels that are adjacent to it. You can use duct tape, or any other kind of tape. However, be sure to tape both sides of the folding board for added strength.
And that's it! Your shirt folding board is now complete and ready to use.
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Use the folding board
Now that you've made your folding board, you're ready to fold some clothes. Place a T-shirt face down, centred on the board. If there is any overhang, fold it over to match up with the bottom of the board. Next, flip one side panel over and back, and then repeat with the other side panel. Finally, fold the bottom centre panel up and back. If all went well, you should have a neatly folded T-shirt in a fraction of the time it would have taken you to fold it by hand!
You can also use your folding board to fold shorts and trousers. Simply fold the clothing item in half lengthwise, centre it on the cardboard, and use the bottom panel to flip the bottom half upwards for a neat, clean fold.
If you're folding a short-sleeve button-down shirt, make sure all of the buttons are buttoned so that the shirt lays flat. For long-sleeve shirts, roll the sleeves up before placing the shirt on the board.
Your folding board will work best on short-sleeve, lightweight T-shirts.
To store your folded T-shirts, place them in a drawer or suitcase with the design facing outwards so that you can easily see which shirt you're picking up. Storing shirts that are folded neatly saves a lot of space, allowing you to fit more into your closet or suitcase.
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Folding technique
The folding technique is quite simple. First, place a shirt face down, centred on the board. If your board has a clear top and bottom, place the collar of the shirt at the very top. If your board has no clear top and bottom, it doesn't matter which way you place the shirt.
Then, fold one side panel over and back. Repeat this step for the other side panel. Finally, fold the bottom centre panel up and back. If all went well, you should have a neatly folded shirt in a fraction of the time it would have taken you without the board.
You can also use this folding board for short-sleeve button-downs. Just make sure all of the buttons are buttoned so the shirt lays flat.
If you're using a board with a bottom panel that folds up, place the shirt face down onto the folder. The top of the shirt should be touching the top of the T-shirt folder. Fold the bottom of the shirt up, making sure that the crease is lined up with the bottom of the folder. Flip the left panel to the centre and then back. Repeat the step for the right panel and then again for the left panel. Flip the bottom panel up and then back to its original position.
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Other uses
A T-shirt folding board can be used for more than just folding T-shirts. Here are some alternative uses for the board:
Packing
The board can be used to pack clothes efficiently for travel. By folding clothes using the board, they will take up less space in a suitcase or bag. This is especially useful for those who travel frequently for work and need to pack formal shirts that require ironing. The folding board helps to minimise creases, reducing the need for ironing during the trip.
Storage
The uniform size of folded clothes achieved by using a folding board can also aid in storage. For example, T-shirts can be stacked upright in a drawer, allowing easy access to each shirt without disturbing the others. This method also allows you to see all the shirts at once, making it simpler to find the one you want.
Display
Retail stores often use folding boards to ensure their products are displayed neatly and uniformly. This can also be applied to personal items at home. For example, if you are selling items online, a folding board can help you present them in a more appealing and professional manner.
Alternative materials
In addition to its primary use, the folding board itself can be a fun DIY project. While cardboard and duct tape are the most common materials used, other options such as plastic cutting boards or a clipboard can be used to create a more durable and stable board. This can be especially useful if you intend to pack the board for travel.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need cardboard and duct tape. The cardboard should be cut into six 9-inch by 12-inch rectangles, or two 12" by 24" rectangles and two 12" by 12" squares. You will also need a sharp knife and a ruler.
First, cut the cardboard to size. Then, lay out the panels in a grid with two panels on top and three panels on the bottom, with a small gap between each panel. Tape the panels together on both sides.
Place a shirt face down, centred on the board. Fold one side panel over and back, then repeat with the other side panel. Finally, fold the bottom centre panel up and back.
Store your T-shirts with the design facing outwards so you can easily see which shirt you want to wear. Folded shirts take up less space, so you can fit more shirts in your closet or suitcase.
