There are many ways to fold a t-shirt, all of which are better than crunching up into a ball haha.
One option is to fold your t-shirt into a convenient pouch, kind of like folding socks into one another so they aren’t separated. The advantage of folding a t-shirt into a pouch is it stays folded. It’s also compact (space-saver). Which makes this method great for traveling but I like it for home as well if you don’t mind the few extra steps involved.
How to Fold a T-Shirt (Into a Pouch)
Materials
- No materials needed other than a flat surface.
Tools
- No tools are needed.
Instructions
STEP 1: Lay t-shirt front-side down on flat surface.
STEP 2: Fold up bottom 1/3 of shirt.
STEP 3: Fold up bottom 1/3 of the way again.
STEP 4: Flip over and fold toward you 1/3
STEP 5: Fold the arm further from you back as shown below.
STEP 6: Lift the side closest to you and fold over.
STEP 7: Roll up the top (on your right) a few inches (one fold)
STEP 8: Fold over into a square so that the end of the top is flush with bottom of shirt
STEP 9: Lift it up and pull the loose flap over so it becomes a convenient pouch (like folding socks together)
STEP 10: You're done: Your t-shirt is now folded into a convenient pouch that will not unfold
How to Fold a T-Shirt - Marie Kondo Method
Instructions
Step 1: Positioning T-Shirt Before Folding
Find a comfortable surface where you can lay the t-shirt down. To accurately fold a t-shirt according to the Marie Kondo method, lay the t-shirt horizontally with its front facing down, and the top of the t-shirt must be on the left-hand side.
Now is a good time to smooth out all the creases before you continue the folding process.
Step 2: Folding the T-Shirt's First Half
Like most folding methods, if you don't repeat the steps and fold each t-shirt the same way, they will end up in different sizes, and look awkward in your cupboard, carry bag, or suitcase.
To get all your t-shirts folded the same size, draw a visual line from the middle of the crew neck, horizontally, down the middle, to the bottom of the t-shirt.
Take the sleeve and bottom corner on the right, and fold them towards you, so that the right side crosses the visual line. Fold the sleeve back, so it lies on top of the folded portion. If your t-shirt sleeves are a bit longer, give it a 45⁰ fold, so it lies horizontally with the folded portion. After folding the first half, smooth it out to ensure the fold does not make any creases.
Step 3: Folding the T-Shirt's Second Half
The next step in the Marie Kondo method is similar to the previous one.
Take the left sleeve and the left bottom corner, and fold the left side of the t-shirt inwards so that it overlaps the right folded portion. Fold the sleeve back, so it lies on top of the folded portion. After folding the second half, smooth it out again to ensure the fold does not make any creases.
Step 4: Fold the T-Shirt in Half
Fold the t-shirt in half so that the bottom corners of the t-shirt lie on its top corners. If you did it correctly, the t-shirt should be rectangular. You can use this opportunity to straighten the lines of the t-shirt before you continue and give it another smooth over if there are visible creases.
Step 5: Fold the T-Shirt Into Three EqualSections
With the t-shirt in a rectangular shape, divide it into three visual sections. The easiest way to get three equal sections is to take both hands with the palms showing towards each other and place them on the t-shirt. The t-shirt must be divided into three equal sections between your hands. Press down so that the sides of your hands indent the t-shirt to give you a visual line.
Step 6: Fold the Left Portion of the T-Shirt
With the three reference lines visible, take the two corners on the left and fold them at the first visual line so that the two corners lie vertically on the second visual line. Before you continue, if the t-shirt needs any adjusting, now is a good time to align it.
Step 7: Fold the Right Portion of the T-Shirt
The final step in completing the Marie Kondo method is to take the right side of the t-shirt and fold it over the left side so that all four corners match up evenly.
Your Marie Kondo folded t-shirt is now compact and ready to be packed vertically to save space or neatly stacked in your cupboard.
How to Fold a T-Shirt So It's Crisply Folded
Instructions
Step 1: Lay the Shirt Down for Folding Process
Find a flat surface to lay the t-shirt down to get the best results. Lay the t-shirt face down on the table with the bottom of the t-shirt close to you and the collar facing away.
Before you start with your first fold, smooth out any creases to ensure when you unfold it at a later stage that, it is ready to be worn and does not need ironing.
Step 2: Placing the Folding Board
To get all your t-shirts the same crisply folded size, you will need a folding board, but if you do not have one, a clipboard will give the same result.
Place the folding board or clipboard near the collar in the middle of the t-shirt. The folding board or clipboard's long side should parallel the t-shirt's sides. To ensure that you end up with a well-folded t-shirt, use the shoulders as a guideline to evenly space the clipboard or folding board.
Step 3: Flip the Right Side of the T-Shirt
Use the right side of the board as a barrier and flip the t-shirt over so that the first portion and the sleeve of the t-shirt enfold the board. The sleeve of the t-shirt may need some smoothing out, and if it is too long, you can fold it down towards the bottom of the shirt to avoid creases. Ensure that there are no creases and that the fold of the t-shirt is right against the side of the board.
Step 4: Flip the Left Side of the T-Shirt
Take the left side of the t-shirt and flip it over against the side of the board. Depending on the size of the t-shirt, it may overlap the first fold. The same principle applies to the sleeve; if it is too long, you can fold it downwards.
After both sides are neatly folded inward on the board, you should smooth out any creases to prevent a badly creased t-shirt when you unfold it.
Step 5: Fold the Bottom of the T-Shirt
Take both the bottom corners, and fold them upwards towards the collar of the t-shirt. Ensure that the fold is right against the bottom edge of the board and that it is snug and tight. With the crisply fold almost complete, you have the final opportunity to ensure all the lines are nice and straight and to smooth out any creases.
Step 6: Remove the Folding Board
With all the folding complete, it is time to remove the board. Grip the top of the board with both hands, on the left and right corners, flip the t-shirt over so that the collar is on top, and place it on the table. Take one hand and slightly push down on the bottom of the t-shirt, and with the other hand, slowly slide the board out to the top.
To ensure that it is completely ready to go into your suitcase or cupboard, give it a final smooth over to remove any creases or imperfections.
How to Fold a T-Shirt in Seconds
Instructions
Step 1: Lay the Shirt Down for Folding Process
Lay the t-shirt down on a flat surface or table with the collar to the right and the bottom on your left-hand side. Smooth the t-shirt out to remove any creases before you start the folding process to prevent having a wrinkled shirt when you unfold it.
Draw a visual vertical line that goes across the middle of the shirt. This visual line splits the t-shirt and helps when you fold it to keep it evenly spaced and the corners matching up.
Step 2: Draw a Visual Line
Draw a visual line horizontally from the top of the t-shirt at the collar down to the bottom. Start the visual line between the collar and the sleeve; if it helps, draw the line with your finger so that it indents the t-shirt slightly to give you a better visual line.
Step 3: Draw a Vertical Line and Identify Folding Points
With the t-shirt flat on the table and the two visual lines made, I 'am going to assign a letter to each point on the shirt the line represents. Assigning a letter will make the folding process explanation simpler.
Letter A represents where the vertical line through the middle crosses the horizontal line between the collar and the sleeve drawn vertically to the bottom of the t-shirt. Where the two lines intersect with one another is point A.
Between the collar and the sleeve where you start, the visual line represents point B, and at the t-shirt's bottom, where the horizontal line ends, represents point C.
Step 4: Pinching the T-Shirt on Points A and B
Once you know where these three points are on the t-shirt, the folding process is quick and simple.
Pinch point A where the two lines cross with your left hand, and make sure you grab the top and bottom layer fabric of the t-shirt. With point A securely pinched with your left hand, take your right hand and pinch point B, where the horizontal line ends at the bottom of the t-shirt.
Step 5: Overlap Point A and Connect Point B and C
Do not let go of points A and C during this next step.
Take your right hand with point B pinched at the collar and cross your left hand with point A still pinched. Remember not to let go of points A or B during this prosses. Cross over point A with your right hand, place point B on point C, and pinch both with your right hand without letting go of point A with your left hand.
Step 6: Uncross Left and Right Hand
The success of this folding technique relies on the next step. If at any time you lose grip of any of the two points, you will have to start the folding process from the start.
At this stage, A is pinched in your left hand and points B and C are pinched together in your right hand. With these two points secured, uncross your two hands.
If you did it correctly, you will still have point A in your left hand and point B and C in your right. The t-shirt should be square with one sleeve sticking out on the side.
Step 7: Flip T-Shirt Over
With point A in your left hand and points B and C in your right hand, lay the t-shirt face down on the table. Flip the t-shirt over face up to reveal the collar, and ensure the sleeve stuck out on the side is neatly tucked in at the back. Smooth out any creases that may have happened during the folding process.
Step 8: Even Out Fabric
Lay the t-shirt on the table with the collar on top, even out the sides and give the t-shirt the same amount of fabric on each side of the collar. Give the t-shirt a final smooth-over to remove any creases.
Step 9: Give a Second Fold to Save Space
These eight steps complete the quick and easy folding process, and your t-shirt is ready to be packed away. If you want the t-shirt to take up less space in your closet or suitcase, you can fold it in half, give it a final smooth over and then pack it away neatly.
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